As the one-hour ultimatum to ban Awami League went in vain, thousands of protesters launched a ‘March to Jamuna’ programme from a massive rally that has been going on at Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka for the past three consecutive days.

Hasnat Abdullah, organiser of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in the southern region, came up with the announcement from the rally this evening.

Earlier, he issued a one-hour ultimatum to the government to ban the Awami League, warning that otherwise, he will announce a “March to Jamuna” programme.

Following the announcement, thousands of protesters started marching towards Jamuna, the official residence of Chief Adviser Prof Mohammad Yunus, but police intercepted them near the InterContinental Dhaka hotel.

In line with the pre-announcement, the protesters have already taken to the streets to press home their demand.

Meanwhile, the advisory council of the interim government held an emergency meeting with the chief adviser in the chair amid the evolving political situation.

Earlier in the day, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed a ban on public gatherings, processions, and rallies in the areas surrounding the official residence of the chief adviser, Jamuna and Bangladesh Secretariat, effective from until further notice.

In a public notice issued by DMP Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali, the restriction has been imposed under Section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance, 1976, to ensure the security of the Chief Adviser.

The ban also covers key locations, including Hotel Intercontinental intersection, Kakrail Mosque intersection, Officers' Club intersection, and Mintoo Road, among others.