UAE pardons 25 more Bangladeshis convicted over July protests

United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has pardoned 25 more Bangladeshi nationals who were convicted for protesting in the Gulf state during the July 2024 uprising in Bangladesh.

The announcement was made today, January 11, via a press release from the UAE Embassy in Dhaka. The pardon follows a formal request for clemency from the Bangladesh government.

All 25 individuals have been released and have already returned to Bangladesh. The nationals were detained for participating in rare public demonstrations in the UAE last July, expressing solidarity with the student-led "Anti-Discrimination Movement" back home.

The UAE Embassy described the pardon as a "humanitarian gesture" reflecting the deep-rooted, brotherly ties between the two nations.

The UAE strictly prohibits unauthorized protests and criticism of government rulers. This latest group follows a previous presidential pardon that saw 57 other Bangladeshis released and deported after being sentenced to lengthy prison terms for similar activities.

Bangladeshis represent the third-largest expatriate community in the UAE. Authorities from both countries continue to advise expatriates to respect local laws while residing abroad.