HC Issues Rule on Compensation for 208 Migrant Protesters

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The High Court has issued a rule asking why 208 Bangladeshi migrants, who faced detention and persecution abroad for their role in the July movement, should not be awarded Tk 25 lakh each as compensation.

The order was passed on Monday by a bench comprising Justice Fatema Najib and Justice A F M Saiful Islam. The court directed the secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, along with other concerned authorities, to respond within a stipulated time.

During the hearing, the petitioners’ counsel said that among the 208 returnees, 57 workers had been arrested and sentenced in the United Arab Emirates for participating in demonstrations in support of the movement. All 208 individuals have since been officially recognised by the government as “July fighters.”

In addition to issuing the rule, the court also instructed the ministry to dispose of an application seeking compensation within 30 days. This directive is expected to accelerate the administrative process surrounding their demands.

The case stems from the 2024 quota reform movement, which sparked widespread protests across Bangladesh. In a show of solidarity, many Bangladeshis living abroad also took part in demonstrations in different countries. As a result, a number of migrant workers in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia were detained and, in some cases, sentenced.

Following diplomatic efforts and high-level intervention, the detained workers were later released and returned to Bangladesh. However, many of them faced severe financial hardship due to job losses, legal expenses and the impact of detention.

Seeking redress, the affected individuals filed a writ petition before the High Court, demanding compensation for their losses. Legal experts say the court’s move could set an important precedent, not only in terms of compensation but also in recognising the rights and protection of migrant workers.

The outcome now depends on the responses from the authorities and further court proceedings. For the 208 migrants, the rule marks a significant step forward in their pursuit of justice and financial support.