Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today expressed his gratitude to President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for granting amnesty to all 57 Bangladeshis convicted earlier by the UAE Federal Court.

In a letter to the UAE president, he said: "I avail the opportunity to convey our deepest gratitude to Your Highness for your benevolent decision to pardon the 57 Bangladeshi nationals who expressed solidarity with the recent students-mass revolution back home through demonstrations in a few cities in the United Arab Emirates."

This act of clemency, Prof Yunus said, following their telephone conversation, not only exemplifies the UAE president's compassionate leadership but also serves as a conduit for strengthening the enduring bond of fraternity between the two nations.

"Your magnanimous decision to annul their sentences has been met with profound relief and appreciation in particular by the families of those involved and by our broader countrymen in Bangladesh as well as our community in the UAE in general." 

"We are, indeed, profoundly touched by your empathy and understanding. In this context, we express our full respect for the laws of the UAE and renew our commitment to brief and educate our nationals on the local laws and culture of their host countries before their departure from Bangladesh," the letter read.

Prof Yunus said the gracious decision of Zayed Al Nahyan will further solidify the bonds of fraternity and friendship between the countries. 

He said they are looking forward to continuing to strengthen bilateral relations and to working together for the mutual benefit of the peoples of the two countries.

"I wish Your Highness good health, happiness, a long life and continued peace, progress and prosperity for the brotherly people of the United Arab Emirates," the chief adviser said.