Shafiqur Rahman, ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami and leader of the opposition, has called on the government to clarify whether the Bangladesh embassy or consulate was involved in the judicial process surrounding the execution of two Bangladeshis in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
In a status posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday night, he said questions have arisen after responsible government officials mentioned that they only came to know about the matter after the execution was carried out.
He added that the government must clarify to the public whether the embassy fulfilled its duty in ensuring legal assistance for expatriate Bangladeshis.
Shafiqur said Bangladesh embassies and consulates exist in various countries to protect the interests of expatriates and to preserve the dignity and interests of the nation.
He noted that the government needs to provide an explanation regarding the role of the relevant embassy in a matter as serious as the death penalty.
Shafiqur said that while every country completes its judicial process according to its existing laws, it remains the responsibility of the government to ensure that expatriate Bangladeshis receive due assistance from the embassy when going through legal processes.
The ameer called for necessary steps to be taken so that no expatriate is deprived of embassy assistance during legal processes in the future. He also emphasised the importance of raising awareness among expatriates regarding compliance with the laws of the respective countries.
Shafiqur said if there is a tendency among expatriates towards the crime for which the two Bangladeshis were reportedly executed, it is also necessary to clarify what initiatives the government and the embassy have to prevent such tendencies.
He added that it would be better for everyone to review their own position rather than engaging in discussion and review regarding those two individuals.
