Bangladesh
Rights forum seeks consular review after Saudi executes two Bangladeshis
Human Rights Forum Bangladesh wants an independent review of consular support before two citizens were executed in Saudi Arabia. It questions how officials handled missing sentencing information received two weeks earlier, seeks disclosure of their actions, and calls for accountability if negligence is established.
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From 22 October 2026 — Daily Brief
22 OCT 2026 · 7/25
Human Rights Forum Bangladesh has called for an independent review of the country’s diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia after two Bangladeshi citizens were executed on 14 October. Its statement on 21 October asks whether they received adequate legal representation and consular assistance.
The forum cited reporting that Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Sweety Akhtar had been detained since August 2023 in separate cases. An 18 October letter from the Bangladesh Consulate in Jeddah reportedly said Saudi authorities had not informed the mission before carrying out the sentences.
A prisoner list received on 30 September contained no sentencing information for the two citizens, although details were supplied for others. The forum wants to know whether consular officials sought clarification during the following fortnight and what information reached the foreign ministry.
It also called for examination of access to interpreters, appeals and clemency procedures. The consulate has reportedly requested the verdicts and case details from Saudi authorities.
The forum argues that a lack of advance Saudi notification does not settle questions about Bangladesh’s own consular responsibilities. It seeks publication of review findings, stronger safeguards for citizens facing serious charges abroad and accountability if negligence is established. Its demand does not itself establish that officials failed in their duties.