When I try to access the contents of a hidden folder using directory, I get empty contents when trying to access hidden folders (starts with '.'). I've already added Read and Write permission to external storage inside AndroidMainifest.xml. The only possible solution I could see is to add "MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE" permission inside AndroidMainifest but I doubt if I can publish the app to play store using this permission or not. Below is attached code.

final directory = Directory(
        "/storage/emulated/0/Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Media/.Statuses");
    if (directory.existsSync()) {
      final items = directory.listSync();
      log(items.toString());   //empty list here in items
    }

Is there any way to access hidden folders apart from using MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission? Or can we request access to a specific folder in Flutter?