Bangladesh has urged its citizens living abroad to strictly abide by the laws of their host countries following reports that two Bangladeshis have been executed in Saudi Arabia, with the government still awaiting formal confirmation of the cases from Riyadh.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid described the incident as a major lesson for Bangladeshis working and living overseas, stressing the importance of respecting local laws regardless of their country of residence.
Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday afternoon she said the government had not yet received official notification of the death sentences imposed on the two Bangladeshis.
Dhaka has, however, sent a letter to the Saudi authorities seeking clarification and detailed information about the cases, she said.
Drawing on previous experience, Shama Obaid noted that Saudi Arabia operates under its own legal framework and imposes punishment in accordance with its laws when serious offences are committed.
According to information provided by the labour wing of the Bangladesh mission in Saudi Arabia, the two men were allegedly involved in illicit sexual relations inside a mosque in Mecca, an offence considered serious under Saudi law. The court reportedly issued its ruling under the country’s legal provisions.
The state minister said Bangladesh had requested further details from the Saudi authorities, as it had yet to receive formal notification of the executions.
She urged all Bangladeshis living overseas to remain aware of and comply with the laws and regulations of their host countries to avoid serious legal consequences.
The government is seeking official clarification from Riyadh to establish the full circumstances of the cases.