Three Bangladeshi nationals have been sentenced to life imprisonment in the UAE for organizing demonstrations and inciting riots in an effort to pressure their home government during recent unrest over job reservations in Bangladesh.
Additionally, 54 other Bangladeshis will be deported after serving prison terms ranging from 10 to 11 years for illegal entry and participating in the protests.
The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal delivered the verdict on July 22, ordering the deportation of all defendants after their prison terms and the confiscation of all seized devices.
The group was arrested on Friday for gathering and inciting riots across several streets in the UAE. UAE Attorney-General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi ordered an immediate investigation, leading to an “urgent trial” of the suspects. A team of 30 investigators confirmed their involvement in public gatherings, inciting unrest, disrupting public security, and promoting such activities online. Several defendants confessed to their crimes.
During the trial, which received significant media coverage, the Public Prosecution sought the maximum penalty for the accused. A witness testified that the defendants organized large-scale marches in protest against decisions made by the Bangladeshi government, leading to riots and endangering public and private property. Despite police warnings, the protesters refused to disperse.
The court-appointed defense lawyer argued that the gathering had no criminal intent and that the evidence was insufficient, demanding acquittal. However, the court found sufficient evidence of their guilt and convicted them.
Background of Unrest in Bangladesh
The protests in Bangladesh erupted over preferential hiring rules favoring women, residents of less developed districts, and other disadvantaged sections over merit-based selection. This included reserving 30% of civil service posts for children of freedom fighters from the country’s 1971 liberation war against Pakistan.
During the unrest, telecommunication lines were disrupted, a nationwide internet ban was enforced, and a curfew was imposed. The military was deployed after police failed to control the protests.
On Sunday, Bangladesh’s Supreme Court scrapped most of the quotas, which sparked the student-led protests resulting in at least 114 deaths. The court directed that 93% of government jobs would be open to merit-based candidates, without quotas.
