DHAKA: A total of 60 Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), officials said.

Officials in Abu Dhabi Bangladesh Mission confirmed the arrests, saying that the expatriates were arrested for ‘overstay’ in the oil-rich gulf country.  

Police raided a six-story building in Tourist Club Area where most of the residents were of Bangladeshi and Pakistani origins.  

Nazmul Quaunine, Bangladesh Ambassador to UAE, told banglanews24.com.bd Friday, “We are in close contact with the UAE authorities for more information and our Labour Wing is closely monitoring.”

The diplomat said the arrested persons were not under the wage-protection system of the UAE government.

They will be repatriated by the Embassy in cooperation with the UAE government, he added.
 
BDST: 1920 HRS. June 18, 2010
AKR/FA/MUA