Dhaka:Bangladesh has officially requested detailed information from Saudi Arabia regarding the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals. The country's foreign ministry and its diplomatic mission were not informed prior to the executions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam announced that a letter was sent to the Saudi government, seeking clarification about the incident. Bangladesh learned on October 14 that two of its expatriate workers were sentenced to death under Saudi law and their sentences had already been carried out.
The State Minister stated that the foreign ministry and the mission in Saudi Arabia were not notified in advance. Bangladesh is seeking explanations about the offenses, the judicial proceedings, and why the diplomatic mission was not informed.
The Bangladesh mission has also communicated with the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, sharing initial information from the Labour Welfare Wing. However, detailed official information from Saudi Arabia has not yet been received.
Authorities have identified the executed individuals by name but are awaiting more information regarding their employment and the circumstances leading to their executions. Shama emphasized the importance of Bangladeshi expatriates respecting host country laws, while noting the unfortunate nature of the executions.
She highlighted that every country operates under its own legal system and Bangladesh remains concerned about the safety of its nationals abroad, especially in Saudi Arabia, where over four million Bangladeshi expatriates reside amid regional conflicts.
Several Bangladeshis have been killed or injured in recent attacks, with some still hospitalized. The government is also working on repatriating the bodies of those who died.
Shama reaffirmed Bangladesh's strong bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia, mentioning that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has engaged in discussions with Saudi representatives. Preparations are ongoing for the Prime Minister's visit to Saudi Arabia, following an invitation from Riyadh.