Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Tuesday described the execution of two Bangladeshis in Saudi Arabia as deeply tragic, saying the government would comment on the matter officially after thoroughly reviewing the relevant legal documents and international conventions.
He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists after a reception for meritorious students at Mingram Secondary School in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah in the afternoon.
The minister also said the absence of opposition members from the committee formed to work on constitutional amendments would not create any major legal or political complications.
He said the National Parliament would be the ultimate forum for discussions on constitutional amendments, in keeping with parliamentary conventions, rather than through confrontation or boycotts.
“The main process of constitutional amendment will take place in the National Parliament. When the bill is placed before Parliament, opposition lawmakers will be present and take part in the discussion. Therefore, their absence at the initial stage will not create any major deadlock,” he said.
Responding to a question about legal assistance for expatriates and the role of Bangladesh's overseas missions in dealing with detained citizens, Asaduzzaman said it was inappropriate to make sweeping allegations against embassies.
Bangladesh missions across the world, including those in the Middle East, were working sincerely to provide services to expatriate workers, he said.
However, if specific evidence of negligence or irregularities by any official is found, strict legal action will be taken following an investigation, the minister added.
Referring to the recent execution by beheading of two Bangladeshi nationals in Saudi Arabia, he said the incident was extremely distressing and unfortunate.
The minister said he would refrain from making any immediate comments until the Vienna Convention and relevant legal documents under Saudi Arabian law had been thoroughly examined.
Earlier, the law minister attended the reception as the chief guest and spoke about building a merit-based society. Local educationists, students and leaders and activists of BNP's affiliated and associate organisations were present at the event, reports UNB.