The government of Bangladesh has formally communicated with Saudi authorities, dispatching a diplomatic note to seek comprehensive clarifications regarding the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals in the Mecca region. The diplomatic letter, submitted by the Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah to the Mecca branch of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 19, raises six critical points concerning the trial, nature of offences, and the current disposition of the remains of the executed individuals.
Senior officials within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Bangladesh Consul General Md Sakhawat Hossain met with Farid bin Saad Al Shehri, director general of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jeddah, to hand over the official communication. The diplomatic move follows the execution of Nazrul Islam Abdul Bashir and Sweety Akter in Mecca on October 14, sentences that were reportedly handed down as discretionary punishments by a judge.
Through this formal inquiry, the Bangladeshi mission has pressed for answers on six specific fronts. The questions encompass the exact nature and classification of the alleged offenses, the timeline and locations of the incidents, the dates of their initial arrests, and whether the defendants were afforded adequate legal representation and counsel during their trials. Furthermore, the consulate has demanded copies of the judicial verdicts and official clarification regarding the current location and status of the deceased citizens' bodies.
This diplomatic step also sheds light on the broader consular challenges, as reports indicate that approximately 7,500 Bangladeshi nationals are currently held in various prisons across the Kingdom. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring the welfare and legal predicaments of expatriate workers, ensuring that due process and international consular norms are respected. The government anticipates a prompt and cooperative response from Riyadh as diplomatic channels continue to address the welfare and legal protection of Bangladeshi citizens abroad.
