Bangladeshis face challenges in foreign prisons

Approximately 15,213 Bangladeshi citizens are currently detained in prisons across various countries, according to data released by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam. The highest concentrations of detainees are found in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and India.

In Saudi Arabia alone, there are approximately 7,500 Bangladeshi prisoners. Recent concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of consular assistance following the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals in the kingdom. Families of detainees have reported difficulties in receiving timely support from Bangladeshi missions, despite official claims that missions conduct regular prison visits and provide legal coordination.

Other significant numbers include 2,217 detainees in Malaysia, 1,444 in India, and 127 in Thailand. In Malaysia, roughly 70 percent of detainees are held due to visa overstays. The Bangladeshi government has emphasized the importance of expatriates understanding local laws before traveling and stated that efforts are being made to provide legal protection for those facing sentencing abroad.