January 15, 2026
DHAKA – As part of the Union Day celebrations on December 2, the rulers of the United Arab Emirates have granted royal pardons to 440 Bangladeshi prisoners among other nationalities, according to the UAE Embassy in Dhaka.
In a statement today, the embassy said UAE leaders pardoned thousands of inmates across the country, marking one of the largest collective clemency initiatives in recent years.
“The pardons reflect the UAE’s longstanding tradition of granting mercy on significant national and religious occasions,” it said.
The UAE rulers regularly issue royal pardons during events such as Eid holidays and National Day, promoting forgiveness, family reunification, and social reintegration.
Recent pardon initiatives in late 2025 covered thousands of prisoners of various nationalities, including Bangladeshi citizens, offering them an opportunity for a fresh start.
Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day), observed annually on December 2, commemorates the historic unification of the emirates in 1971 under one flag.