HRFB questions consulate’s actions before executions in Saudi Arabia
Logo of Human Rights Forum Bangladesh
Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) has expressed deep concern over the execution of two Bangladeshi citizens in Saudi Arabia and the failure to notify Bangladesh’s diplomatic mission in advance. The organization has also called for an impartial review to determine whether the two citizens were guaranteed justice, effective legal assistance and consular rights before their executions.
In a statement signed by HRFB Convener and Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) Executive Director Tahmina Rahman, the organization called for accountability if negligence or failure to perform duties is established. It also demanded fair compensation for the families of the two executed Bangladeshis.
Citing reports published in a national daily on October 19 and 20, the organization said two Bangladeshi citizens named Nazrul Islam Abdul Bashir and Sweety Akter were executed in the Makkah region on October 14. According to the reports, a letter dated October 18 from the labor wing of the Bangladesh Consulate in Jeddah to the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment stated that the two citizens had been detained since August 2023 in connection with separate allegations.
The list of detainees received by the consulate on September 30 did not mention their sentences. However, sentencing details were provided for other detainees. The letter also stated that Saudi authorities had not formally or informally notified the Bangladesh Embassy or consulate about the executions.
In response to this information published in the media, HRFB questioned what steps the consulate had taken to investigate the cases of the two citizens after receiving the detainee list on September 30. It said clarification was also needed on whether the reasons for leaving their sentencing details blank had been investigated when such information was available for other detainees. HRFB also demanded a clear explanation of whether the consulate had contacted Saudi authorities to learn about the verdicts and sentences imposed on the two citizens.
According to the organization, even if Saudi authorities failed to notify the Bangladesh mission about the executions, that does not resolve questions about the consulate’s role and responsibilities. Media reports stated that the families of the two citizens had not contacted the consulate to seek legal assistance. However, the families’ failure to make contact cannot be a reason for the consulate to avoid its own initiative and responsibilities.
HRFB said Bangladesh is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Article 6 of the covenant protects the right to life and establishes strict limitations on the imposition of the death penalty. Article 14 recognizes the right to a fair trial, adequate opportunities to defend oneself and access to legal assistance. Meanwhile, Article 36 of the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations contains provisions concerning the rights of detained foreign nationals to communicate with and receive assistance from their consulates.
In this context, the organization said it was essential to establish whether the two citizens had been able to appoint lawyers of their choice, consult their lawyers independently and confidentially, receive the assistance of interpreters needed to understand the judicial proceedings, and effectively exercise their rights to appeal and seek clemency.
HRFB also demanded the disclosure of comprehensive information about the allegations against the two citizens, the judicial proceedings and the basis for the verdicts. According to media reports, the consulate has already sent a note verbale to the Makkah branch of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting copies of the verdicts and detailed case information. HRFB believes the Bangladesh government must formally raise the matter through diplomatic channels and obtain the necessary documents and a comprehensive explanation from Saudi authorities.
HRFB believes the active role of diplomatic missions is essential to protecting the rights and safety of Bangladeshi citizens working abroad. The organization said existing mechanisms must be strengthened to monitor the progress of cases involving Bangladeshi citizens detained on criminal allegations or facing the risk of the death penalty, ensure necessary diplomatic and consular assistance, and maintain effective communication with the relevant authorities.
