Remaining 24 Bangladeshis imprisoned in UAE to be released soon: Asif Nazrul

The remaining 24 Bangladeshi expatriates imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for taking part in protests during the July Uprising are set to be released soon, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Asif Nazrul assured today (28 November).

In a Facebook post, the adviser wrote, "Our efforts under the leadership of the chief adviser have finally borne fruit. The remaining 24 Bangladeshis detained in the UAE for participating in the uprising will be released shortly."

He extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and officials at the Bangladesh Embassy in the UAE for their cooperation.

Asif Nazrul, also the law, justice and parliamentary affairs adviser, noted that earlier, in September last year, 188 expatriates who had initially been detained were freed following a direct request from the chief adviser.

Expat ministry sources earlier said the adviser sent a formal letter on 21 September to UAE Minister of Justice Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, requesting the release of the detainees.

Following the appeal, the UAE foreign ministry sought passport and visa details of the imprisoned individuals from the Bangladesh Embassy. The required documents were sent on 30 September in a note verbale.

According to media reports, among the first group of 57 detainees, UAE courts had sentenced three to life imprisonment, 53 to 10 years, and one to 11 years.

On 28 August last year, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus held a telephone conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, requesting clemency for the detainees.

The UAE government responded positively, and releases began in early September that year.