The Bangladeshi missions in the UAE have issued a stern warning to their citizens, urging them to adhere to local laws and refrain from participating in prohibited activities. The advisory comes in the wake of significant unrest that led to severe legal repercussions for several Bangladeshi nationals in the UAE.
On July 19, riots and protests erupted among the Bangladeshi community in the UAE, sparked by discontent over job reservation policies in their home country. This unrest resulted in three individuals being sentenced to life imprisonment and 54 others facing deportation after serving prison terms.
The Bangladesh Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai emphasized the importance of complying with UAE laws. They specifically advised against taking and sharing videos or photos of illegal activities, as well as spreading rumors and propaganda.
“All expatriate Bangladeshis living in the UAE are requested to respect the laws and regulations of the host country-the UAE,” the missions stated in a communication to Khaleej Times. They highlighted the strict prohibition of unauthorized assemblies, processions, and activities that could incite public unrest or panic.
The court's decisions on July 22 saw three individuals receiving life sentences for inciting demonstrations and riots. Additionally, 53 others were sentenced to 10 years, and one individual received an 11-year sentence for illegal entry and participation in the unrest.
The missions' statement warned that engaging in such activities could result in severe consequences, including visa cancellation, imprisonment, fines, repatriation, and a future ban on re-entering the UAE. “Therefore, it is requested not to involve yourself in such activities and also to warn your colleagues, friends and known expatriate brothers and sisters about it,” the statement urged.
The advisory follows a series of violent protests in Bangladesh, primarily led by students demanding changes to job reservation policies. These demonstrations have claimed over 100 lives in the South Asian country.
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