Bangladesh says Saudi Arabia has not answered its requests for details about the execution of two citizens, leaving Dhaka without the court rulings or an explanation for the lack of diplomatic notice.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shahidul Karim said Wednesday that Riyadh had not replied to questions raised after the Oct. 14 executions. Shama Obaed Islam, Bangladesh’s state minister for foreign affairs, said Bangladesh asked Saudi authorities what offenses the two faced and why its diplomats received no warning. Dhaka also requested the court decisions.
The Saudi Interior Ministry said it executed a Bangladeshi man and woman in the Makkah region after their death sentences were upheld and authorized by royal order. The ministry described their conduct as an indecent act inside a mosque but gave no further details.
Bangladesh had already asked Saudi Arabia for the verdict. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has said timely notice of criminal cases involving Bangladeshis abroad would allow the government to offer consular assistance.
Saudi Arabia is the top destination for Bangladeshi workers abroad. Islam has cited the jobs it provides and the money workers send home in explaining the kingdom’s importance to Dhaka. She said Bangladesh would consider its response after receiving the records and discussing the case with Saudi officials.
