Muscat: Citizens of Bangladesh residing abroad in Oman are increasingly troubled by the worsening circumstances in their native land, where widespread demonstrations have resulted in the tragic loss of more than 100 lives. This unrest has led to significant disruptions in essential services, including the collapse of the internet and unreliable telephone services, posing significant challenges for individuals living in Oman in their efforts to stay informed about the well-being of their families back in Bangladesh.
The protests in Bangladesh, which initially started as a movement led by students advocating for the government to revoke its preferential hiring policies for civil service positions, have evolved into one of the most severe and protracted instances of unrest witnessed by the nation in recent years.
Suffering Amidst Disruption: The Call for Peace
Amidst the chaos, Sirajul Haque, the Chairman of the Bangladesh Social Club in Oman, has implored the Bangladeshi expatriate community in Oman to refrain from organizing any demonstrations or gatherings without the requisite official authorization.
“It is unequivocally prohibited to conduct any demonstration or gathering in Oman, irrespective of whether they are peaceful, without securing a permit from the relevant authorities,” Haque articulated during a conversation with the Times of Oman on Sunday.
In response to this call for tranquility, the Bangladesh Social Club has been proactively taking steps to ensure that all Bangladeshi expatriates are well-informed about Omani laws governing public assemblies, while Haque has appealed for calm and peace in the prevailing situation.
"We have formally disseminated this information to all residing here," Haque underscored. Special assemblies were conducted at the club's premises to inform members about the regulatory requirements and the significance of compliance with them.
Protests in the UAE and Their Consequences
This cautionary statement comes shortly after the arrest of numerous Bangladeshi expatriates in the UAE for their involvement in demonstrations against their home government, which were seen as attempts to incite unrest.
The public prosecutor's office of the UAE has declared that the individuals were apprehended for "committing offenses related to the gathering in public spaces and the act of protesting against their home government with the intention to provoke civil unrest." The precise number of individuals detained was not disclosed.
Back in Oman, the Bangladeshi diaspora is deeply concerned about the escalating violence and the safety of their families. Haque noted, “Due to the disruption in communication channels, the national internet has been rendered inoperative, rendering many Bangladeshi newspapers unable to keep up with updates on the situation.”
The Bangladeshi community in Oman is meticulously watching the developments, holding onto the hope for a peaceful resolution. In the interim, they are encouraged to remain composed and abide by the local laws to steer clear of legal repercussions.
