Diplomatic Row: Bangladesh Slams Saudi Arabia Over Execution of Two Citizens
Bangladesh seeks answers from Saudi Arabia after the execution of two citizens, including 22-year-old Nazrul Islam, amid claims of communication lapses.
The government of Bangladesh has expressed deep dissatisfaction and disappointment following the execution of two of its citizens in Saudi Arabia. The incident has sparked a diplomatic stir, with Dhaka citing critical lapses in information-sharing and a failure in diplomatic communication, particularly regarding the death of a young Bangladeshi national named Nazrul Islam.
Diplomatic Friction and Demand for Answers
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir addressed the situation on Monday, revealing that the Bangladeshi government has officially sought a detailed explanation from the Saudi authorities. The primary concern for Dhaka is the "gap" in communication that occurred before the sentences were carried out.
While acknowledging the deep and positive relationship between the two nations—especially at the Prime Ministerial level—Kobir emphasized that both countries are signatories to the Geneva Conventions. He stressed that Bangladesh expects a reciprocal arrangement where Saudi Arabia notifies Dhaka whenever a Bangladeshi national is detained or faces criminal proceedings, just as Bangladesh would do for Saudi citizens.
In a move to seek immediate clarification, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Saudi Ambassador to Dhaka, Abdullah bin Zafer H Bin Abiyah, on Sunday. However, Minister Kobir noted that since the executions have already taken place, compensation is no longer a possibility.
The Tragedy of Nazrul Islam
The case of 22-year-old Nazrul Islam has brought the issue into sharp focus. Nazrul's journey to Saudi Arabia was fueled by hope and sacrifice; his father, Abdul Basir, borrowed Tk 7 lakh to send his eldest son abroad on November 10, 2022, hoping to lift the family out of financial hardship.
Nazrul worked as a cleaner in the Kingdom but spent approximately three years and three months in detention. The family's nightmare unfolded on October 14, when they discovered through media reports that Nazrul had been executed in Makkah.
Allegations of "Immoral Acts"
According to the family, the Saudi police arrested Nazrul and a young woman named Sweety Akhtar. The arrests were reportedly based on allegations of an "immoral act" committed near a mosque in Makkah. However, the specific legal charges and whether Nazrul was provided with adequate legal representation or a fair trial remain unverified.
A Family Shattered
The emotional toll on Nazrul's family has been devastating. His mother, Rahima Begum, shared that while her son had been in regular contact with them via telephone from prison, they were never given any advance notice that his execution was imminent.
The shock of the news was so severe that Nazrul's paternal aunt reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack upon learning of his death. His father, Abdul Basir, is now facing pressure from creditors to repay the loan taken for Nazrul's travel, adding financial ruin to his grief.
"I want my son’s body brought back home. If he was executed without just cause, I want justice," said Abdul Basir.
The Fight for Repatriation
The grieving family has urged the Bangladeshi government to launch a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the execution and to arrange for the repatriation of Nazrul's body at the state's expense.
Regarding the administrative process, Brahmanbaria Deputy Commissioner Md Abu Sayeed stated that while the administration has not yet received a formal application or specific instructions, they are prepared to provide assistance according to applicable rules once the body is brought back to Bangladesh.