CPB: Govt failed to protect lives of its own citizens

DHAKA: The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) has expressed deep concern over the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, accusing the government of failing to take steps to protect the lives of its citizens. The party also condemned what it described as derogatory remarks about the two men following their execution.

CPB leaders voiced their protest at a rally held in front of the National Press Club in the capital at 11:30am on Thursday. They also demanded full investigations into every death of Bangladeshi expatriates abroad and called on the government to take steps to secure the release of Bangladeshis imprisoned in foreign countries.

Speaking at the rally, CPB General Secretary Abdullah Kafi Ratan said the execution of the two Bangladeshis in Makkah was deeply concerning. The government should have had detailed information about the allegations against them, the judicial proceedings and the verdicts. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said it knew nothing about these matters, he added.

Ratan said the government should have played an effective role in serious cases involving the trial, imprisonment or death of Bangladeshi nationals abroad. Instead, he alleged, it had failed to take initiatives to protect their lives. He also condemned the derogatory remarks allegedly made about the two men after their deaths.

Noting that remittances sent by expatriate workers keep the country’s economy running, the CPB general secretary said the government had failed to take effective measures to protect their lives, safety and dignity. While ministers, lawmakers and bureaucrats enjoyed luxurious lifestyles funded by remittances, the security of expatriate workers continued to be neglected, he alleged.

Ratan called for effective diplomatic initiatives, legal assistance and accountability to protect the rights of Bangladeshis working abroad.

The rally was chaired by CPB Presidium Member Ragib Ahsan Munna, who called on the government to compile a list of Bangladeshis detained or imprisoned overseas. He also demanded state-funded legal assistance for expatriates, regular prison visits and effective arrangements to maintain communication between detainees and their families.

Ahsan said the government must urgently pursue diplomatic initiatives to secure the release of Bangladeshis imprisoned in Saudi Arabia and other countries.

CPB Presidium Member Jolly Talukder and central committee member Professor Fazlur Rahman also addressed the rally. The programme was conducted by Manzur Moin, general secretary of the CPB’s Dhaka Metropolitan South district committee.

After the rally, participants held a protest procession through major streets of the capital.