Bangladesh seeks details of executions of two nationals from Saudi Arabia again

Bangladesh has sent another diplomatic note to Saudi Arabia seeking details of the death sentences and judicial proceedings involving two Bangladeshi nationals, Nazrul Islam and Sweety Akter, whose executions were reported by Saudi media.

The names of the two Bangladeshis appeared on a list of prisoners provided by Saudi authorities, but the list did not specify the sentences imposed on them, prompting Dhaka to seek clarification and detailed case records.

Bangladesh Consul General in Jeddah Md Sakhawat Hossain raised the issue during a meeting with Farid bin Saad Al-Shehri, director general of Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry, in Jeddah on Monday. 

As the Saudi official could not provide a clear answer, Bangladesh sent another diplomatic note the same day, requesting details of the cases and judicial proceedings.

The latest note follows earlier diplomatic communications. On 14 October, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), citing the Saudi interior ministry, reported that the death sentences of the two Bangladeshis had been carried out. 

The Bangladesh Consulate in Jeddah sent a diplomatic note to the Saudi foreign ministry on 15 October seeking details, and the note was reiterated to the Saudi ambassador in Dhaka on 18 October.

The latest communication requested Saudi Arabia to provide the relevant information as soon as possible.

According to information provided by the Saudi side, the two Bangladeshis were arrested in August 2023 and sentenced by a lower court after due judicial proceedings. An appellate court panel comprising 13 judges later upheld the death sentences. The executions were carried out in separate cells designated for male and female prisoners, respectively.

What govt says? 

State Minister for Foreign Affairs-2 Shama Obaed Islam said on Monday that Bangladesh would be able to clarify the matter and assess the situation more accurately after receiving copies of the court verdicts.

She said the government would review the documents and determine its next course of action through discussions with the Saudi authorities.

The government has already sought the necessary information from Saudi Arabia and is awaiting a response, she added.

Shama Obaed also said Saudi authorities regularly send lists containing the identities and details of Bangladeshi nationals in prisons to the Bangladesh foreign ministry and its missions in the country. The government is checking whether the names of the two individuals appeared on those lists, she said.

Families deny allegations, want bodies back 

Deceased worker Nazrul Islam’s mother, Rahima Begum, said the allegations against her son were false and pleaded to see his body one last time. 

His father, Abdul Bashir, said he had borrowed Tk6 lakh to send his son to Saudi Arabia. Nazrul’s aunt also died after hearing news of his execution, according to the family. 

Sweety Akter’s mother, Johura Begum, broke down in tears and appealed to bring her daughter’s body home. 

Her father, Fazal Mia, said he last spoke to Sweety on 13 October, the day before the execution was reported, and she had not told him about a trial or death sentence. The family doubts the allegations brought against her.

Saudi diplomatic sources have confirmed that the two Bangladeshi migrant workers were executed by hanging, not beheading.

The sources, however, said Saudi Arabia does not return the bodies of expatriates executed in the country.