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Abdul Basir says his family learnt of Nazrul's execution from media reports, while questions remain over the charges and legal proceedings against him
Abdul Basir borrowed Tk 7 lakh to send his eldest son, Nazrul Islam, 22, to Saudi Arabia, hoping he would find work and lift the family out of poverty. But just six months after leaving home in search of a better future, Nazrul was detained by Saudi authorities. More than three years later, the family says, it learnt from media reports that he had been executed in Makkah on October 14. Now, burdened by the debt he took on to secure his son's future, Basir is grieving his loss and pleading for the return of his body.
“The creditors are now pressuring me to repay the debt. I want my son’s body brought back home. If he was executed without just cause, I want justice,” Basir said.
The family lives in Birampur village under Sultanpur union of Brahmanbaria Sadar upazila. Relatives allege that Saudi authorities executed Nazrul without informing them beforehand or allowing him to defend himself.
Nazrul’s mother, Rahima Begum, has repeatedly broken down in tears since learning of her son’s death.
The family also said Nazrul’s paternal aunt, Abeda Begum, died of a heart attack last Wednesday night after hearing the news.
Nazrul, the eldest among four siblings, left for Saudi Arabia on November 10, 2022, and worked as a cleaner in the kingdom.
According to his family, Saudi police arrested Nazrul and a young woman named Sweety Akhtar over allegations of an “immoral act” at a mosque in Makkah. Nazrul remained in detention for about three years and three months.
Nazrul’s mother said he spoke to the family by phone every Sunday while in prison, but they were given no advance notice of his execution.
The charges against Nazrul and whether he received legal assistance or an opportunity to defend himself before the execution could not be independently verified.
The family has urged the government to investigate the circumstances of Nazrul’s execution and arrange the return of his body at state expense. Neighbours have also called for the family to be supported.
Local residents Mostakim and Mainuddin expressed dissatisfaction over the reported circumstances of the execution, saying the question of whether he was allowed to defend himself should be examined.
They said Saudi Arabia had adopted more liberal policies in several areas and argued that its legal and judicial processes should also be open to review. They urged the governments of Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia to support Nazrul’s family.
Asked about the matter, Brahmanbaria Deputy Commissioner Md Abu Sayeed said, “We have received no instructions from the administration, and the family has not submitted any application either. If the body is brought back to Bangladesh, we will assist according to the rules, as he was a resident of Brahmanbaria.”
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/n...father-seeks-justice-return-sons-body-4302501
Abdul Basir borrowed Tk 7 lakh to send his eldest son, Nazrul Islam, 22, to Saudi Arabia, hoping he would find work and lift the family out of poverty. But just six months after leaving home in search of a better future, Nazrul was detained by Saudi authorities. More than three years later, the family says, it learnt from media reports that he had been executed in Makkah on October 14. Now, burdened by the debt he took on to secure his son's future, Basir is grieving his loss and pleading for the return of his body.
“The creditors are now pressuring me to repay the debt. I want my son’s body brought back home. If he was executed without just cause, I want justice,” Basir said.
The family lives in Birampur village under Sultanpur union of Brahmanbaria Sadar upazila. Relatives allege that Saudi authorities executed Nazrul without informing them beforehand or allowing him to defend himself.
Nazrul’s mother, Rahima Begum, has repeatedly broken down in tears since learning of her son’s death.
The family also said Nazrul’s paternal aunt, Abeda Begum, died of a heart attack last Wednesday night after hearing the news.
Nazrul, the eldest among four siblings, left for Saudi Arabia on November 10, 2022, and worked as a cleaner in the kingdom.
According to his family, Saudi police arrested Nazrul and a young woman named Sweety Akhtar over allegations of an “immoral act” at a mosque in Makkah. Nazrul remained in detention for about three years and three months.
Nazrul’s mother said he spoke to the family by phone every Sunday while in prison, but they were given no advance notice of his execution.
The charges against Nazrul and whether he received legal assistance or an opportunity to defend himself before the execution could not be independently verified.
The family has urged the government to investigate the circumstances of Nazrul’s execution and arrange the return of his body at state expense. Neighbours have also called for the family to be supported.
Local residents Mostakim and Mainuddin expressed dissatisfaction over the reported circumstances of the execution, saying the question of whether he was allowed to defend himself should be examined.
They said Saudi Arabia had adopted more liberal policies in several areas and argued that its legal and judicial processes should also be open to review. They urged the governments of Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia to support Nazrul’s family.
Asked about the matter, Brahmanbaria Deputy Commissioner Md Abu Sayeed said, “We have received no instructions from the administration, and the family has not submitted any application either. If the body is brought back to Bangladesh, we will assist according to the rules, as he was a resident of Brahmanbaria.”
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/n...father-seeks-justice-return-sons-body-4302501
