The Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has expressed deep concern over the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and called for accountability from the relevant ministries, an impartial investigation and legal assistance for Bangladeshis detained abroad.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director Ejazul Islam on Thursday, the human rights organization said reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant diplomatic missions were not informed before the executions raised serious concerns about the protection of Bangladeshi expatriates.
According to media reports, two Bangladeshi nationals, Nazrul Islam Abdul Bashir and Sweety Akter, were executed in Makkah on October 14.
HRSS called for full disclosure of the charges against the two individuals, details of their trials and sentences, the opportunities they had to defend themselves, and the legal assistance they received.
The organization said the reported lack of prior notification to the foreign ministry and diplomatic missions raised questions about the effectiveness of consular support mechanisms. It called for an impartial investigation to determine whether negligence or a lack of coordination contributed to the situation.
HRSS said protecting the rights of Bangladeshi citizens detained abroad and ensuring their access to justice and legal support were key state responsibilities. It also questioned the roles of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the relevant embassies and consulates.
In its statement, the organization outlined five demands, including obtaining and publicly disclosing documents from Saudi authorities concerning the cases, trials, sentences and executions; explaining the actions taken by the relevant ministries; and taking legal action against those responsible if negligence is established.
It also called for an updated list of Bangladeshis detained in prisons worldwide, including in Saudi Arabia, and access to qualified legal counsel for those facing the death penalty or serious criminal charges. The organization further urged the government to facilitate consular access and ensure that detainees have opportunities to pursue legal appeals.
HRSS called for the government to provide information and support to the families of the two executed Bangladeshis and seek a comprehensive explanation from Saudi authorities through diplomatic channels.
The organization also urged the government to establish an effective coordination mechanism among the foreign ministry, the expatriates’ welfare ministry, and Bangladesh’s embassies and consulates to ensure the timely collection of information and regular monitoring of the arrests, trials and sentencing of Bangladeshi citizens abroad.
“The responsibilities of the relevant ministries in protecting the rights of expatriate citizens cannot be limited to mere formalities,” Ejazul Islam said in the statement. “If there has been any negligence or failure in this matter, accountability must be established, and those responsible must be held answerable.”
HRSS urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure justice and effective legal assistance for Bangladeshis detained abroad.