The execution of two Bangladeshi nationals in Saudi Arabia without the knowledge of Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions has raised questions about the missions’ ability to safeguard the rights and interests of citizens facing criminal proceedings abroad.
The two Bangladeshis were arrested, investigated, charged and tried in Saudi Arabia before being sentenced to death. Yet neither the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh nor the Consulate in Jeddah was aware of the cases during the legal proceedings, according to a diplomatic source.
The executed Bangladeshis were identified as Nazerul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, according to a statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Interior on 14 October and carried by the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The ministry said Saudi security authorities arrested the two following an investigation and brought charges against them. The cases were subsequently referred to a competent court.
According to the ministry, the court found the charges proven and sentenced them to death under ta’zir, a form of discretionary punishment under Islamic law. The ministry cited the gravity of the offence and the violation of the sanctity of the time and place.
The verdicts were upheld by the relevant authority before a royal order was issued for their implementation, the statement said. The executions were carried out in the Makkah region on 14 October.
Asked why the missions had not been informed, a diplomatic source said neither the Saudi police nor the accused had contacted them.
Asked whether the missions had an obligation to monitor criminal cases involving Bangladeshi nationals, the source said it was practically impossible to track every case involving citizens in the kingdom.
Around four million Bangladeshis live in Saudi Arabia, while more than 7,000 are reportedly in prison for various offences, the source said.
“The missions do not have enough manpower to look after such a huge number of people. Unless the individuals concerned or the local authorities contact the missions, it is practically difficult for us to know about these cases,” the source added.
The executions have highlighted the challenges Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions face in providing consular assistance to a large expatriate population, particularly when local authorities do not notify them of criminal proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Embassy in Saudi Arabia has sought details of the cases, allegations and court verdicts involving the two nationals.
“We have asked for details of the cases, allegations and verdicts from the Saudi authorities,” another diplomatic source told TIMES.
The requested documents are expected to help clarify the circumstances of the executions and establish whether the accused had access to consular assistance during the legal proceedings.
The case has also raised questions about whether existing arrangements between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia are sufficient to ensure that Bangladeshi nationals facing serious criminal charges can obtain consular support before legal proceedings reach their conclusion.
