Two Bangladeshis execution in Saudi Arabia, government investigates information gap

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir has said that there was a gap in information sharing regarding the execution of two Bangladeshis in Saudi Arabia. An explanation has been sought from Saudi Arabia to ascertain why this gap occurred, and discussions are currently ongoing between the two countries on the matter, the State Minister added.

He made these remarks while speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

Humayun Kabir also highlighted the state of relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. He said, "Bangladesh, and particularly the Prime Minister, shares a good and deep relationship with Saudi Arabia. Both Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia are signatories to the Geneva Convention. Where the gap occurred in the information exchange process regarding this incident is being thoroughly examined."

"The incident is deeply tragic. Discussions are underway with Saudi Arabia to determine why there was a lapse in the information-sharing process," he added.

Regarding the charges brought against the two executed Bangladeshis, the junior minister said that the accusations or crimes for which they were executed are disappointing for Bangladesh. People travel to holy Mecca with religious and sacred intentions. If such an incident occurred there, it is extremely regrettable and entirely unacceptable.

In response to a question on whether there is an opportunity to receive compensation following the execution of the two Bangladeshis, Humayun Kabir said that since the verdict has already been carried out, there is no scope for obtaining compensation now. The government's primary focus is to identify where the lapse occurred in the information-sharing process.

When asked about confirming the identities of the two executed Bangladeshis, Kabir said, "Their identities have been reported in the media. When a Bangladeshi is involved in a crime abroad, it is important for the host country to notify Bangladesh. This allows for the provision of consular assistance to the individual concerned."

People visit holy places with sacred intentions. Engaging in such activities after going there is completely unacceptable. Had an offense been committed, action would take according to the local laws of the country concerned. The State Minister for Foreign Affairs urged Bangladeshis traveling to Saudi Arabia to remain mindful of the country's laws.

In response to a query regarding the consular dialogue with India, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs said that various matters would be discussed during the dialogue, focusing on topics of mutual interest to both sides.

Saudi Ambassador Summoned

The Bangladesh government has sought clarification from the Saudi Ambassador stationed in Dhaka regarding the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals. The government also inquired why Bangladesh was not informed prior to the execution. Relevant government sources believe that although there are provisions requiring a country to be notified before the trial and execution of its citizen abroad, this procedure was not followed in this case.

Yesterday, Sunday afternoon, Secretary (Bilateral Affairs) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Md. Nazrul Islam held a meeting with Saudi Ambassador Abdullah bin Zafar H. Bin Abiyah at the State Guest House Padma. During the meeting, which began at 3:30 PM and lasted about half an hour, matters concerning bilateral relations were discussed alongside the execution of two Bangladeshis in Mecca last week.

"At the conclusion of the meeting, the Saudi ambassador stated that he would gather detailed information from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Riyadh and subsequently inform Bangladesh," several officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.

Sentence Handed Down Under Islamic Law's 'Tazir' Provision

The Saudi Ministry of Interior identified the two executed Bangladeshis as Nazrul Islam Abdul Bashir and Siti Akhtar.

Their executions were carried out last Wednesday. Authorities announced that they were sentenced for committing an "immoral act" inside a mosque.

The country's state news agency, Saudi Press Agency (SPA), reported that Saudi security forces arrested the two Bangladeshis. Following an investigation, charges were framed against them and referred to the appropriate court. Upon being found guilty in court, the two Bangladeshis were sentenced to death. The execution was carried out in the Mecca region.

The country stated that the sentence was awarded under the 'Tazir' provision of Islamic law, taking into account the gravity of the offense and the violation of the sanctity of the location.

Tazir refers to discretionary punishment determined by a judge under Islamic law. The statement noted that following the verdict, execution was ordered via a royal decree.

However, Saudi authorities did not provide further details regarding the exact nature of the crime, the specific mosque in Mecca where the incident occurred, or the circumstances surrounding their arrest.