Bangladeshis detained over unauthorised election activities in Saudi Arabia

Saudi authorities have detained several Bangladeshi nationals for allegedly organising unauthorised gatherings and election-related activities ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary elections.

Following this, the Bangladeshi Embassy in Riyadh has warned Bangladeshis in Saudi Arabia to strictly adhere to local laws and regulations to avoid legal consequences.

In a statement issued Wednesday night (December 17), the embassy said the detained individuals were reportedly holding meetings in hotel halls, restaurants, and private residences under the banner of unapproved organisations.

Authorities also cited concerns over coordinated political campaigning and the dissemination of misleading or unlawful content on social media.

The embassy emphasised that such activities violate Saudi law and urged all Bangladeshis living in the kingdom to refrain from participating in political gatherings, election campaigning, or spreading information without prior authorisation.