Abdul Hamid, a July Uprising activist from Chattogram, has died in a Dubai prison, underscoring what the National Citizen Party (NCP) described as the government’s “failure to protect the country’s exiled freedom fighters.” He passed away on Wednesday (October 8) after falling ill in prison, according to a social media post by NCP International Cell Assistant Secretary, Alauddin Mohammad.
Abdul Hamid was among 25 Bangladeshi expatriates still detained in different UAE prisons for showing solidarity with the 2024 anti-fascist movement in Bangladesh. While the authoritarian regime fell months ago, these migrant activists remained behind bars on charges filed during that period.
NCP’s diaspora wing has been campaigning for their release since the beginning, including press conferences, memorandum submissions, and legal support under the leadership of Tariq Adnan Moon.
“The interim government’s failure to secure their freedom is a shameful shortcoming. These men stood with the people when it mattered,” the organization said in a statement. They called on the government to immediately prioritize their release and repatriation.
Alauddin Mohammad also shared the letter NCP sent to the Bangladesh Embassy in Dubai in August, urging the release of the 25 detained migrants. The letter stated that these men had only participated in a peaceful solidarity event during the July Uprising — an act the UAE authorities cracked down on following information reportedly provided by the Bangladesh Embassy itself.
Although over a hundred detained expatriates were freed through diplomatic efforts by the Chief Adviser, the charges against these 25 men were never fully withdrawn.
NCP’s letter emphasized:
“This is a clear violation of fundamental democratic rights and international law. Instead of protecting citizens abroad, the embassy stood against them. Their families in Bangladesh are facing financial hardship, mental trauma, and an uncertain future.”
The NCP Diaspora Alliance has placed three key demands to the government:
- Immediate withdrawal of all charges and establishment of a consular communication mechanism for detainees.
- Urgent diplomatic and legal intervention to free the 25 detainees and bring them home safely.
- Administrative and legal action against embassy officials responsible for filing complaints with the Dubai police.
The death of Abdul Hamid has cast a shadow of grief over Bangladesh’s expatriate community, particularly among those who supported the July Uprising. Activists say his death is a reminder that the fight for justice is far from over.
