March Toward Chief Advisor’s Residence Demanding Expatriates’ Release, Criticizing Government Inaction

Staff Correspondent

Dhaka, June 22, 2025: Expatriates who returned from abroad marched toward Chief Advisor’s Jamuna residence demanding release of Bangladeshi workers detained in UAE, Saudi Arabia and other countries’ prisons, while expressing solidarity with July-August anti-discrimination student movement. Police stopped the procession near Hotel Intercontinental intersection where protesters staged sit-in. Participants strongly criticized interim government Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s inaction.

Protesters alleged government took no significant steps to release 25 detainees in UAE’s Al Sadeer Prison plus others in Saudi Arabia. They claimed previous Sheikh Hasina government repatriated two convicted Bangladeshis from abroad by paying compensation but current government made no effort to free hundreds detained abroad for supporting July movement.

One protesting expatriate said “We seek government help to free our brothers and sisters but get no response. Sheikh Hasina’s government acted for expatriates but current government’s indifference disappoints us.”

Meanwhile UAE pardoned and released 188 expatriates arrested for protesting in solidarity with anti-discrimination movement, with many returning home, but 25 remain in Abu Dhabi prison. Protesters demanded Chief Advisor’s intervention.

An expatriate leader said “Expatriates contribute hugely to our economy but government remains silent spectator in their distress. We demand immediate action for their release.”

Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on September 3 Dr. Yunus secured UAE president’s pardon for 57 expatriates, but protesters say many more remain imprisoned abroad needing further action.

Demonstrators vowed to continue protests demanding recognition as “July Expatriate Fighters”, rehabilitation and justice, warning of larger movements if government ignores demands.