Over 10,000 Bangladeshis in prisons abroad: Khalilur

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has said around 10,066 Bangladeshi citizens are currently in prisons across the globe, according to the latest information received from Bangladesh missions in various countries.

Those arrested and imprisoned in host countries are subject to the legal processes of those countries, and Bangladesh's diplomatic efforts must continue while respecting those processes, he said in a written response to a query from Gazi Enamul Haque at the parliament today.

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Upon receiving information that a Bangladeshi citizen is in prison, the concerned embassy visits the prison or detention centre and meets the detainee.

The embassy then collects information about the detainee, provides necessary advice on case-related matters and seeks to ensure legal protection.

If the detainee is unable to appoint a lawyer, the embassy makes efforts to have one appointed through the court. If the family wishes to appoint a separate lawyer, the embassy provides the necessary advice and assistance, the foreign minister said.

In cases where a fine has to be paid, the family is contacted to arrange payment, while air tickets are also arranged. If the family is unable to bear the cost of repatriation, the government covers the expenses and makes all other arrangements, including necessary airport protocols.

A travel pass is issued promptly to facilitate the return of a Bangladeshi citizen after completion of their sentence.

“In particular, strong diplomatic efforts are made to obtain amnesty from the relevant authorities of the host country,” Khalilur said, adding that such efforts had recently been made for prisoners detained in the Middle East and three Bangladeshi fishermen detained in Myanmar.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs will soon launch a portal and take prompt action to facilitate the return of Bangladeshis detained abroad, he said.