Dhaka, Oct. 21 -- The execution of two Bangladeshis in Saudi Arabia over alleged "immoral acts" at a mosque in Makkah has raised a question beyond the deaths themselves: can Dhaka defend its lack of knowledge when its citizens face capital punishment abroad?

After Saudi authorities announced the executions, Bangladesh said its mission had not been informed about the trial or the carrying out of the sentences.

It sought details from Riyadh through diplomatic correspondence. Five days after the executions, Foreign Ministry Secretary for Bilateral Affairs Nazrul Islam summoned Saudi Ambassador Abdullah bin Zafar bin Abiyah in Dhaka on Monday and handed him a copy of the earlier letter.

Golam Moshi, a former Bangladesh ambassador to Saudi ...