The president of the United Arab Emirates has pardoned fifty-seven Bangladeshi nationals who were found guilty and given prison sentences for organizing a demonstration in the Gulf nation.
Authorities have been instructed by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to commute the sentences of those found guilty. The pardoned individuals will likewise be removed from the nation.
When editors met with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus of the interim government at the State Guest House Jamuna, information was exchanged.
When the expats held protests in support of the quota reform campaign in Bangladesh in July, a UAE court handed out jail sentences of varying periods to the protesting foreigners.
Of the 57 Bangladeshi prisoners convicted, three received life sentences, 53 had 10-year prison sentences mandated, and one had an 11-year sentence.
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed pardoned the prisoners, and press secretary Shafiqul Alam informed the media that they would shortly be returned home.
According to a Reuters story, the Public Prosecution had charged the nationals of Bangladesh with “crimes of gathering in a public place and protesting against their home government with the intent to incite unrest”.
Attorney General Dr. Hamad Al Shamsi also urged all UAE citizens to abide by the rules of the nation, emphasizing that the state and its legal system safeguard the right to free speech. This was reported by the Khaleej Times. He emphasized that the government offers channels for free speech and makes sure that these rights don’t translate into acts that could be detrimental to the interests of the country and its citizens.
Bangladeshi embassies in the United Arab Emirates advised their citizens to abide by local laws and refrain from engaging in activities that are illegal, since doing so could lead to the revocation of their visas, jail time, fines, and a prohibition on visiting the country altogether.
Less than a week has passed since former prime minister Hasina was compelled to quit and leave the country due to popular pressure, and official media in the United Arab Emirates said that the president has congratulated Yunus on taking over as interim leader of Bangladesh.
According to Reuters, there is a significant Bangladeshi community in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a nation of approximately 10 million people, where the majority of the population is foreign. About 10% of the population are Emiratis. Many Bangladeshis who live and work in the UAE are employed in low-paying blue-collar jobs and send money home to support their families.
The hereditary rulers of the UAE don’t often tolerate opposition. Political parties and labor organizations are prohibited, and there are restrictions on the right to free speech. Rare are protests, according to Reuters.
