Dhaka:The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested a detailed report from the ministry regarding the recent execution of two Bangladeshi nationals in Saudi Arabia. The committee seeks information on the incidents and measures to prevent future occurrences.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the committee recommended identifying any negligence by consular officials and reporting any action taken if lapses are found. These recommendations were made during the committee's third meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, chaired by Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, MP.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the committee of its request for detailed information from Saudi authorities about the executions. The committee urged the ministry to provide a briefing on the incidents as soon as the information is available and suggested a comprehensive modernization plan to enhance the services of Bangladesh missions in Saudi Arabia.
The meeting also reviewed the activities and staffing of Bangladesh missions in Saudi Arabia. The foreign ministry presented information on Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia relations, major activities of Bangladesh missions, institutional cooperation, bilateral trade, employment, and remittances. The presentation highlighted challenges and prospects in the Saudi labor market, labor welfare services, and Hajj operations.
The committee further recommended ensuring the safety and protection of Bangladeshi female workers in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries. Additionally, the meeting confirmed previous minutes and reviewed progress from earlier decisions.
The committee chairperson expressed gratitude to the foreign ministry for its support in various initiatives, including Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad's leadership roles and logistical support for visits to Rohingya camps. The meeting was attended by committee members, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, the foreign secretary, senior ministry officials, and Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat representatives.