Dhaka seeks Saudi explanation over 2 Bangladeshis’ executions

Bangladesh has formally sought detailed information from Saudi Arabia over the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals, saying neither the Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor its diplomatic mission was informed before the sentences were carried out.

“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 reporters at a media briefing at her ministry office on Saturday evening.

She said Bangladesh learned on 14 October that two Bangladeshi expatriate workers had been sentenced to death under Saudi law and that the sentences had already been carried out.

“Neither our foreign ministry nor our mission in Saudi Arabia was informed about the matter beforehand,” the state minister said.

Shama said Bangladesh had sought clarification on the circumstances surrounding the executions, including the offences involved, the judicial proceedings and why the Bangladesh mission had not been notified.

She said the Bangladesh mission had also informed the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment about the incident, sharing preliminary information received through its Labour Welfare Wing.

“We have not yet received detailed official information from the Saudi government. We will have to wait for their response,” she said.

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Shama said the authorities had identified the two Bangladeshis by name but were still awaiting details about their employment, employers, length of stay in Saudi Arabia and the circumstances leading to their executions.

She stressed that Bangladeshi expatriates must respect the laws of their host countries, while describing the executions as deeply unfortunate.

The state minister noted that each country has its own legal framework and that its laws apply within its jurisdiction.

She said the government remained concerned about the welfare and protection of Bangladeshi nationals abroad, particularly in Saudi Arabia amid the ongoing regional conflict. More than four million Bangladeshis are working in the kingdom, she added.