UAE President pardons convicted Bangladeshis involved in recent riots

The UAE President has ordered a pardon for the Bangladeshi nationals involved in last month’s protests and disturbances across several emirates. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has also ordered authorities to drop the sentences of those convicted and arrange for their deportation from the country.

BM Jamal Hossain, the Consul General of Bangladesh in Dubai and Northern Emirates, said it’s great news for Bangladeshi expatriates living in the UAE, especially for those who were convicted.

“On behalf of the Bangladesh Consulate General Dubai, I would like to give cordial thank to the UAE President and concern officials for this initiative,” he said in a statement to Khaleej Times.

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Deportation procedures commence

After President's directives, Dr Hamad Al Shamsi, UAE Attorney-General, has issued an order to halt the implementation of the sentences and commence deportation procedures.

The Attorney General also called on all residents of the UAE to respect the country’s laws, stressing that the right to express opinions is protected by the state and its legal framework. He highlighted that the state provides lawful means for expressing views, ensuring this right does not turn into actions that could harm the interests of the nation and its people.

On July 22, three Bangladeshis were sentenced to life imprisonment, and 54 others were ordered to be deported after serving prison terms over riots and protests in the Emirates.

The 57 Bangladeshi expats were sentenced in an expedited trial after they had protested against the then-prime minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina and her government amid protests in Bangladesh.

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