Dhaka seeks clarification from Saudi Arabia

Bangladesh has sought clarification from Saudi Arabia about the recent executions of two Bangladeshi nationals, raising the matter with the Saudi ambassador in Dhaka while reaffirming the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries.
Foreign Ministry Secretary (East and West) Dr Md Nazrul Islam discussed the matter with Saudi Ambassador Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, a senior ministry official told BSS.
The official clarified that the Saudi ambassador had not been summoned over the incident.
During the meeting, the Bangladesh side sought details about the circumstances surrounding the executions of the two nationals in Saudi Arabia.
Both sides expressed confidence that the matter would not affect the longstanding friendship and close bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.
They also expressed satisfaction over the steady progress of bilateral cooperation in various sectors and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening ties.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent a letter to the Saudi government seeking detailed information about the incident,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told journalists on Saturday.
She said Bangladesh had sought clarification about the offences involved, the legal proceedings and the circumstances surrounding the executions.
Further steps, including arrangements for repatriating the bodies, could be considered after the necessary information was received from Saudi authorities, she said.