Dhaka seeks Saudi explanation over possible procedural gaps in execution of two Bangladeshis: State Minister Humayun Kabir

Bangladesh has sought an explanation from Saudi Arabia over whether there were any gaps in information-sharing or procedure in the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals in the kingdom. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir disclosed the move on Monday.

Speaking to reporters at the foreign ministry on Monday (October 19), the state minister said that if media reports are accurate, there appears to have been a gap somewhere in information-sharing and process — and it is that gap Dhaka wants explained.

Humayun Kabir said the reports name Bangladesh and describe the men as Bangladeshis, and that the information and the process regarding the crimes they are said to have committed would follow the law of the country concerned. In other words, he acknowledged that the judicial process runs under Saudi law.

At the same time, he took a hard line on the gravity of the alleged offence. "If the process was followed, then this is an extremely heinous crime. A holy place, the House of Allah; people go there with holy intentions. Engaging in such acts there is in no way acceptable," he said.

But in his view, the question of the crime and the question of the process are separate. "If we take the news reports as accurate verification, then a gap has occurred somewhere in information-sharing and process. We are seeking an explanation on this," he said.

The state minister added: "It is clear that if a crime has been committed, there is law for it. Saudi Arabia has its local law. Anyone who goes to Saudi Arabia knows what punishment can follow what kind of offence."

His remarks made Dhaka's position clear on both fronts: on one hand, if the crime is proven, the punishment under Saudi law is not being questioned; on the other, Bangladesh wants to know whether information and procedural requirements were properly followed before a step as final as executing two of its citizens.

Earlier, news that two Bangladeshis had been executed in Makkah caused surprise and raised questions in Dhaka. When and how the Bangladeshi authorities learned of the executions, and whether there had been communication at the diplomatic level beforehand, are now the questions under discussion.

A huge number of Bangladeshi workers are employed in Saudi Arabia, which makes the legal process and consular support for Bangladeshi nationals there a sensitive matter for Dhaka. If there was a gap in advance information-sharing in a case ending in execution, preventing a repeat is also at stake.

According to the state minister, by seeking an explanation Bangladesh essentially wants those procedural aspects clarified. Once the Saudi authorities respond, Dhaka's understanding of the facts and the process is expected to become clearer.

For now, Dhaka's message is single: trial for a crime will follow the law of the country concerned, but ensuring transparency of information and process for its own citizens is Bangladesh's responsibility — and it is from that position that the explanation has been sought, State Minister Humayun Kabir said.