The rulers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have granted royal pardons to 440 Bangladeshi prisoners, said the UAE Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday (January 14, 2026).
The royal pardons were granted on the occasion of the 54th UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) in 2025, which is observed annually on December 2, commemorating the historic unification of the emirates in 1971 under one flag.
The gesture underscores the UAE leadership’s humanitarian values and commitment to giving those pardoned the chance to rebuild their lives and rejoin their families and communities, said the Embassy.
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As part of the Union Day celebrations, 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.
The UAE rulers regularly issue royal pardons during events such as Eid holidays and National Day, promoting forgiveness, family reunification, and social reintegration.
The recent pardon initiatives in late 2025 covered thousands of prisoners of various nationalities, including Bangladeshi citizens, offering them an opportunity for a fresh start.
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