The interim government’s chief advisor, Dr Muhammad Yunus, is set to engage with senior officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the release of expatriates convicted for holding protests in the Gulf country, Foreign Affairs Advisor Md Touhid Hossain has said.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs auditorium on Sunday afternoon, Touhid mentioned that Dhaka was closely monitoring the situation.
"There were protests in several countries in support of the Students Against Discrimination movement, including the UAE, where some workers were arrested and even sentenced. We are deeply concerned and are making efforts to ensure they do not suffer.
“We hope that Dr Yunus will personally speak with the higher authorities in the UAE within the next day or so to secure their release without any punishment.”
Touhid said as the workers might have violated local laws, the government could not blame the host country. "They acted according to their laws, but given the emotional reasons behind the workers' actions, some might have overlooked those regulations."
On the topic of elections, the advisor said they were essential and that the government would step down through an electoral process.
When asked how long the interim government would need to hold elections, he explained that its immediate priority was stabilizing the situation, which could take a week, 15 days or even two months. "After restoring stability, we can address the timing of the elections."
Regarding the question of sending a message to India to bring back Sheikh Hasina, Touhid said: "Whether Sheikh Hasina returns or not is not my concern. If the Ministry of Law instructs me to send a letter for her return, I will do so."