Saudi Arabia has not yet responded to Bangladesh's memo
State Minister for Foreign Affairs speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo: Agamir Somoy
Two weeks have passed since Bangladesh sent a letter over the execution of two Bangladeshis, but the Saudi Arabian government has not yet responded. The letter sought to know the actual reason for the execution and the judicial processes. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said that communications between the two countries continue at the diplomatic level on the matter.
The State Minister for Foreign Affairs gave came up with this observation while briefing journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
Bangladesh's mission in Saudi Arabia is maintaining regular communication. Work is underway on the matter. It is taking time, but the junior minister expressed her hope that information would be received from the Saudi government soon.
On October 14, two Bangladeshi nationals, Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Sweety Akter, were executed in the Makkah region. After this incident, Bangladesh sent a memo to the Saudi government seeking information on six matters, including the reason for the execution, the judicial processes, and the location of the bodies.
In that diplomatic letter sent on October 19 from the Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah to the Makkah branch of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, information was sought on the allegations brought against the two Bangladeshis, the nature of the crime, the time and place of the incident, and the date of arrest. In addition, detailed information was sought on a certified copy of the court's verdict, the method of execution, the current location of the bodies, and whether they had lawyers representing them during the trial.
State Minister's Visit to Spain and the United Kingdom Fruitful
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam flew on official visits to Spain and the United Kingdom from October 26 to 30. Describing the visit as fruitful, she said there is a broad scope for expanding Bangladesh's trade and investment with Spain. Spain is one of Bangladesh's largest export destinations, especially in the ready-made garment and textile sectors.
"The government is working to increase exports to that country as well as attract direct foreign investment," she added.
During the visit, a bilateral meeting was also held with Spain's State Minister for Foreign Affairs. The State Minister said that at the meeting, discussions were held on strengthening relations between the two countries and working jointly in various sectors in the future.
Shama Obaed also spoke about the UK visit. She held a meeting with the country's special envoy on climate issues. At the meeting, discussions were held on tackling climate change, increasing climate resilience, and strengthening joint initiatives between the two countries on the matter.
Prime Minister to Attend COP-31 SummitThe international conference on climate change (COP-31) is scheduled to be held in Turkey from November 9-20. The State Minister also presented Bangladesh's position on participating the event.Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will attend the conference for a short time. The State Minister said that Bangladesh will highlight its successes in tackling climate change and its future courses of actions.Shama Obaed said international support is needed for vulnerable countries like Bangladesh to tackle the impacts of climate change. Bangladesh will demand that climate fund money be given as grants, not loans. At the same time, ensuring accountability of countries most responsible for carbon emissions will also be important.She said that although Bangladesh's contribution to carbon emissions is very small, Bangladesh is one of the biggest victims of climate change. To tackle this situation, the government's initiatives to excavate canals, plant trees, and increase the use of solar power and renewable energy will be highlighted on the international stage.The State Minister for Foreign Affairs is hopeful about renewing the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty. She said the Prime Minister has formed a committee to discuss the matter. The Water Resources Minister and the Finance Advisor are leading the process. The committee also includes a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The State Minister said discussions with India on the Ganges treaty are ongoing at various levels. Through formal discussions, importance will be given to Bangladesh's legitimate demands and the people's water needs.She said the government will move the discussions forward in whatever way the decision that best solves the water problems of the people of Bangladesh is reached. Bangladesh is hopeful about renewing the Ganges treaty, which is due to expire this year. We hope India will also make the right decision.
