Bangladesh releases 2 Malaysians jailed for gold smuggling

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminded all Malaysians that gold smuggling is a serious crime in Bangladesh and in some cases carries the death penalty.

PETALING JAYA: Two Malaysians were released from a Bangladeshi prison today after serving their sentences for smuggling gold into the republic, the Foreign Ministry confirmed.

In a brief statement, Wisma Putra said the couple, who were not identified, were released on the orders of a Bangladeshi court and are expected to return to Malaysia soon.

Wisma Putra reminded all Malaysians that smuggling gold is a serious crime in Bangladesh and can result in the death penalty. Malaysians abroad must respect local laws and regulations.

It was previously reported that three Malaysians were sentenced to life imprisonment in 2018 for smuggling 45kg of gold into Bangladesh three years earlier. Life imprisonment carries a maximum sentence of 30 years.

It is reported that three other Malaysians are serving prison sentences for similar offences.