Saudi Arabia has executed two Bangladeshi nationals, a man and a woman, after they were convicted of committing what authorities described as indecent acts inside a mosque in the holy city of Mecca.
The executions were carried out on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, following the confirmation of their death sentences by the relevant judicial authorities and the issuance of a royal order authorising the punishment.
According to a statement from the Saudi Interior Ministry, the individuals were identified as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar. Security authorities reportedly arrested the pair, investigated the incident and subsequently brought charges against them before a competent court.
The ministry said the court sentenced them to death under ta’zir, a form of discretionary punishment under Islamic law. It cited the seriousness of the offence and the violation of the sanctity of the mosque and the circumstances in which the alleged acts occurred as reasons for the sentences.
However, Saudi authorities did not disclose the specific nature of the acts, identify the mosque involved or provide details about when the arrests took place.
Following the executions, Bangladesh expressed concern over the lack of prior notification. The Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah said it had not been informed before the sentences were carried out and had submitted a formal diplomatic note to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeking official confirmation and further details.
The executions have drawn attention to Saudi Arabia’s application of the death penalty, particularly in cases involving foreign nationals. The kingdom maintains that its judicial system enforces Islamic law and protects the sanctity of religious sites.
The case has also raised diplomatic concerns over communication between Saudi authorities and the home countries of foreign nationals facing capital punishment.
