Strong Ties with Saudi Arabia Must Be Preserved in the National Interest

The execution of two Bangladeshi citizens in Saudi Arabia on October 14 has triggered widespread criticism of the kingdom on social media and in various quarters. Many have described the executions as punishment for a minor offence, while others have questioned whether the Bangladesh Embassy and relevant authorities were aware of the sentences or whether the accused received legal assistance.

After the executions became public, the Bangladesh government sought an explanation from the Saudi ambassador in Dhaka. Meanwhile, the Saudi Interior Ministry said the two individuals had been convicted of engaging in immoral activities inside a mosque. The court imposed the death penalty under ta’zir, a provision of Islamic jurisprudence that allows judges discretion in determining punishment for certain offences. Higher authorities upheld the verdict, which was subsequently carried out by royal decree.

However, the official statement did not specify the alleged activities or provide details of the judicial proceedings.

According to accounts circulated through various channels, the incident occurred in 2023. The man worked as a cleaner at the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. He allegedly engaged in sexual intercourse with the woman after asking a colleague to keep watch. The colleague recorded the incident, and the footage was later circulated amid disputes between those involved before eventually reaching the authorities. The person who recorded the video is also reportedly in prison.

Bangladesh Sangbad

The execution of the two Bangladeshis in Saudi Arabia’s Mecca region has sparked debate over Islamic law, the sanctity of holy places, judicial accountability and media responsibility. However, Saudi authorities consider the punishment lawful under their country’s legal system.

Every country has its own laws and regulations, which visitors and migrant workers are expected to understand and obey. The two young Bangladeshis may not have fully understood Saudi Arabia’s laws, resulting in this tragic outcome.

Their executions have understandably caused grief, anger and questions among the public. People have the right to express their concerns. However, some groups appear to be exploiting public emotions to spread hostile comments against Saudi Arabia and undermine relations between the two countries.

The two individuals developed a relationship and engaged in sexual intercourse in a secluded area near the King Fahd Gate inside the Grand Mosque. The incident was reportedly more serious than merely exchanging kisses. Those spreading information about the case should avoid exaggeration and misleading claims that could damage relations between the two brotherly countries.

In today’s technological age, video footage can help identify suspects, while forensic analysis can establish its authenticity and support judicial proceedings. Therefore, dismissing the footage as false without evidence would be unreasonable.

On October 19, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Bangladesh was trying to obtain a copy of the court verdict. She urged the public not to draw conclusions based on Facebook posts or spread misleading information. The government would review the matter after receiving the necessary documents.

Bangladesh has also written to the Saudi authorities seeking details of the case and the judicial proceedings. However, the government’s response appears to have come late. Timely communication might have helped counter misinformation as it spread across social media.

Expressing sympathy for the two deceased individuals is understandable. Nevertheless, public reactions should also take account of Bangladesh’s broader national interests. Any deterioration in relations with Saudi Arabia could have serious consequences for the country.

Saudi Arabia is Bangladesh’s largest labour market in the Middle East, employing approximately 3.5 million Bangladeshi expatriates. Strained bilateral relations could adversely affect this vast employment market.

The kingdom is already experiencing instability amid regional conflict. Many Bangladeshi workers returning home are facing difficulties travelling back to Saudi Arabia, while others have lost their jobs and been forced to return. These developments pose risks to remittance earnings. Further disruption in relations over the executions would therefore be harmful to Bangladesh.

The country’s economy is already under considerable pressure. The war involving Iran has disrupted the global economy, while rising fuel and essential commodity prices have increased financial hardship in many countries. France has witnessed protests and unrest, prompting localised curfews, while the United States has suspended sanctions on Russia and entered into an agreement to purchase diesel in an effort to ease price pressures.

Bangladesh is also facing rising unemployment, declining incomes, higher prices of essential goods, factory closures and falling production. Any adverse impact on relations with a major labour market such as Saudi Arabia could worsen the country’s economic difficulties.

Bangladesh Sangbad

In difficult circumstances, reason must take precedence over emotion. While the executions have understandably provoked strong reactions, it is unacceptable for any group to exploit public sympathy to spread propaganda or deliberately damage bilateral relations.

Instead, efforts should focus on supporting the families of the deceased and providing assistance where possible. The public should remain alert to attempts to exploit the incident to create confusion or inflame tensions.

The government should engage in constructive dialogue with the Saudi authorities, seek a clear and reasonable explanation, and communicate the findings to the public.

A previous example involving Bangladeshi expatriates in the United Arab Emirates illustrates the importance of diplomacy. Following the July uprising, expatriates staged demonstrations in support of the movement that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. As the demonstrations violated UAE laws, around 57 expatriates were reportedly sentenced to terms ranging from life imprisonment to lengthy jail sentences.

After Hasina’s fall, then interim government chief adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus spoke by telephone with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who subsequently pardoned those convicted.

Diplomats have stressed that the debate over the executions and Bangladesh’s request for an explanation must not lead to strained relations with Saudi Arabia. The government should exercise caution and handle the matter through diplomatic channels.

In the national interest, the issue must be resolved promptly and amicably through dialogue, while ensuring that public concerns and the rights of the deceased individuals’ families receive due consideration.