Bangladesh’s interim government has taken a significant step by hiring a lawyer to assist in the release of 57 Bangladeshis detained in the United Arab Emirates for protesting against Sheikh Hasina’s rule. The jailed protesters marched on 22 July in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah in response to the crackdown on student-led demonstrations by Hasina’s government.
Under immense public pressure, Hasina resigned and fled Bangladesh on 5 August. The government’s foreign affairs adviser, Touhid Hossain, revealed that Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, acting as the “chief adviser,” has pledged to secure the release of the detained Bangladeshis in the UAE.
Afrin Rasna, the Bangladeshi lawyer appointed for this cause, expressed on social media that diplomatic efforts are crucial to obtain the release of the detained workers. The Foundation for Law and Development in Bangladesh has shown support for the interim government’s initiative, highlighting the importance of legal representation and embassy support for Bangladeshi citizens imprisoned in the UAE.
Last month, three protesters received life sentences, and 53 others were handed 10-year jail terms, with plans for eventual deportation to Bangladesh after serving their sentences. The protests originated from opposition to a High Court verdict on reinstating a quota system for government jobs in Bangladesh.
Despite challenges and legal restrictions in the UAE, the Bangladeshi community makes up about seven percent of the Emirates’ population, with majority being migrant workers. The ongoing efforts to secure the release of the detained Bangladeshis reflect a commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Bangladeshi citizens abroad.
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