Several Bangladeshis Detained in Saudi Arabia for Holding Election Meetings Without Permission
In Saudi Arabia, the authorities of the country have detained several Bangladeshis on allegations of organizing meetings and gatherings without permission centering on the upcoming national parliamentary election of Bangladesh. In this incident, the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh has warned expatriate Bangladeshis.
In a notice issued by the embassy on Wednesday night, it was said that recently, meetings and gatherings have been organized in various areas of Saudi Arabia by renting hall rooms, and at hotels, restaurants, or private residences under the banners of unauthorized organizations. In addition, allegations have also been found of spreading misleading and criminal information on social media. Due to these activities, the Saudi authorities have detained several Bangladeshis.
The embassy stated that all Bangladeshi citizens residing in Saudi Arabia must refrain from organizing any kind of meetings or gatherings without permission, participating in political campaigning, and spreading misleading information on social media. At the same time, expatriates have been especially requested to abide by the laws and regulations of Saudi Arabia.
The thirteenth National Parliamentary Election is scheduled to be held in Bangladesh next February. Political discussions and campaigning among expatriate Bangladeshis have increased over this. However, in countries like Saudi Arabia, conducting political activities without permission is illegal.
