How UAE helped Bangladeshi UN staffer return to family after he was abducted in Yemen

The UAE played a pivotal role in getting a Bangladeshi UN staffer released and back with his family after he and his colleagues were kidnapped in Yemen.

Speaking to Emirates News Agency (Wam), Mohammed Abu Zafar, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the UAE, said that Akam Sofyol Anam, a staff member with the UN Department of Safety and Security in Aden, was abducted in Yemen in February 2022.

"During his 18-month long ordeal, he was ill and needed medication, but it was difficult for him to get medical support. At one point of time, he had thought that he would not see his family again. So, it's a great relief that he was released and rejoined his family, thanks to the UAE's help," said the ambassador.

"The UAE played a crucial role to get him released. Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her appreciation to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in a phone call on Monday," he added.

As WAM reported, Sheikh Hasina praised the UAE's unwavering efforts in enhancing global security, stability, and peace. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed affirmed the UAE's steadfast commitment to supporting the UN's initiatives and humanitarian efforts, and emphasised the country's deeply rooted humanitarian approach based on respect for human life, cooperation, and the promotion of stability and security.

The Bangladeshi envoy said that Akam Sofyol Anam is doing well after reaching home on August 9. Anam has met Prime Minister Hasina along with his family members and he is in good spirits.

Quoting Anam's revelations of his horrific experience, the ambassador said it proved the seriousness of extremism and terrorism. "Anam revealed he was blindfolded and moved from one place to other. What kind of sufferings, mental agony and trauma he had gone through over the last 18 months!" Abu Zafar said.

He urged the world community to work together to ensure that such incidents are never repeated.