Leaders and activists of various workers’ organizations held a human chain in Savar to protest the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals in Saudi Arabia and to demand guaranteed legal protection for expatriate workers. During the event, they presented a six-point demand including legal assistance for Bangladeshis detained abroad, urgent diplomatic initiatives for individuals facing execution risks, and ensuring transparency and accountability of Bangladeshi embassies. The human chain was organized by the Jatiya Garments Sramik Unity in front of the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar on Tuesday afternoon.
Speakers at the human chain stated that if any Bangladeshi citizen is accused of an offense abroad, they should be tried according to the laws of the respective country. However, ensuring access to adequate legal assistance, interpreter facilities, and a fair defense opportunity is essential for justice. They demanded that the relevant authorities clarify whether sufficient legal assistance and maximum diplomatic efforts were taken to protect the lives of the two Bangladeshis prior to their execution in Saudi Arabia.
The six-point demands presented at the human chain include: ensuring effective consular assistance for Bangladeshis detained abroad; special monitoring and urgent diplomatic measures for cases involving individuals facing execution; providing legal aid and interpreters as needed; ensuring transparency and accountability in embassy operations; launching a digital system to track the case progress of detained and under-trial individuals; and strengthening coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and foreign embassies to safeguard the rights and security of expatriates.
Abul Hossain, Central President of the Textile Garments Workers Federation, remarked that it is vital to question the judicial process surrounding the execution of two Bangladeshis in Saudi Arabia. Citing the opening of cinema halls and entertainment activities in Saudi Arabia, he also raised allegations of double standards in their judicial and policy framework.
Jatiya Garments Sramik Unity President Md. Faridul Islam stated that the fundamental rights of an accused person must be protected at every stage of the judicial process. He urged authorities to disclose what actions the Bangladeshi embassy took before the execution and demanded accountability from responsible officials. He added that expatriate workers make significant contributions to the country's economy through their labor and remittances, making it the state's responsibility to ensure safety, legal protection, and necessary consular aid for Bangladeshis in distress abroad.
Speakers at the program also called upon the government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Bangladeshi embassies abroad to play a more active and responsible role in safeguarding the lives, security, and justice of overseas Bangladeshis. Among others, worker leaders Mizanur Rahman, Masud Rana, and Sultan Mansur Ali spoke at the gathering.
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Reported by Savar Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
