Minister Sidesteps Questions on Diplomatic Role After Saudi Executions of Two Bangladeshis, Points to Foreign Ministry
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury did not directly answer whether there had been any diplomatic shortcoming on Bangladesh's part in the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals in Saudi Arabia. Saying he had no clear idea about the matter, he commented that the Foreign Ministry would be better placed to speak on it.
The minister made the remarks on Friday evening (23 October) while speaking to journalists after the inauguration ceremony of the Companiganj Samiti in Sylhet, held at the Sylhet Central Muslim Sahitya Sangsad.
On Bangladeshis imprisoned in Saudi Arabia and other countries, Ariful Haque Chowdhury said the government is working to assist Bangladeshis jailed abroad for various reasons. At the same time, he reminded them that Bangladeshis living abroad must abide by the laws of the countries concerned.
The minister said many Bangladeshis are in prisons in different countries of the world for various reasons, but he did not know the exact number.
He said an initiative is being taken to form a team to take necessary steps considering the nature of the charges and the gravity of the offences against imprisoned Bangladeshis.
The minister also called on Bangladeshis abroad to raise awareness among themselves and to counsel one another.
Recently, a Bangladeshi woman and a man were executed in Saudi Arabia over allegations of kissing in a mosque area. They were sentenced under the discretionary 'Taazir' provision of Saudi Sharia law, exercised by the judge, and a higher judicial authority later upheld the verdict.
However, it is still not clear whether lawyers were appointed for the two Bangladeshis, whether they had the opportunity to appeal, or whether they had sought assistance from Bangladesh's consular authorities in Saudi Arabia.
Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations provides for consular communication and assistance when a citizen is arrested abroad. In this case, no detailed information has emerged publicly on whether the two Bangladeshis received consular assistance during their arrest or trial.
The incident has raised questions about Bangladesh's diplomatic efforts, legal assistance to citizens during trials, and the government's role in protecting Bangladeshis facing the death penalty abroad.
The expatriates' welfare minister, however, gave no direct explanation on these questions; he noted that the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Foreign Ministry.
As a result, answers to what steps Bangladesh took before the executions were carried out, and how legal protection for expatriates in such cases will be ensured in future, now await a statement from the Foreign Ministry.
