Bangladesh seeks Saudi answers over execution of two nationals

Bangladesh is awaiting a response from Saudi Arabia over the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals, carried out on

Bangladesh is awaiting a response from Saudi Arabia over the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals, carried out on October 14 without prior notification to Dhaka, the country’s foreign ministry spokesperson Shahidul Karim said on Wednesday.

Bangladesh has sought clarification from Saudi authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding the executions. The government has requested copies of the court verdicts, details of the offences and an explanation for why its diplomatic mission was not informed before the sentences were carried out.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Dhaka would determine its next course of action after receiving the relevant documents and discussing the matter with Saudi officials.

Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry said a man and a woman had been executed after being convicted of committing indecent acts inside a mosque in the holy city of Makkah, according to Saudi media reports.

The executions have raised questions in Bangladesh about the handling of cases and the absence of prior communication with its diplomatic representatives.

Saudi Arabia is Bangladesh’s largest overseas labour market, with an estimated 3.5 million Bangladeshi workers living and working in the kingdom. Their remittances provide significant support to Bangladesh’s economy, making the protection and welfare of migrant workers an important issue in relations between the two countries.

The Saudi embassy in Dhaka had not immediately responded to a request for comment.

Bangladesh’s government is expected to consider its response after reviewing the case documents and obtaining further clarification from Saudi authorities.