MECCA: Saudi Arabia has executed two Bangladeshi nationals after a court convicted them of committing what authorities described as “indecent acts” inside a mosque in the holy city of Mecca. The executions were carried out on October 14, according to Saudi authorities. The individuals were identified as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, both Bangladeshi citizens.
In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the Interior Ministry said security authorities had arrested the two individuals, investigated the case and referred them to a competent court. The court subsequently convicted them and imposed death sentences under ta’zir, a category of Islamic law that allows judicial discretion in determining punishment.
The ministry cited the seriousness of the alleged offence, the sanctity of the mosque and the circumstances surrounding the incident. The sentences were upheld by the relevant judicial authority before a royal order authorised their implementation.
However, Saudi authorities have not publicly disclosed the precise nature of the alleged acts, the identity of the mosque or the full details of the judicial proceedings. Although some media reports have described the pair as a couple, their marital status has not been independently confirmed.
The executions have raised questions in Bangladesh, where officials say the government was not informed beforehand. Dhaka is seeking further information from Riyadh about the case and the circumstances surrounding the sentences.
Human rights advocates have repeatedly raised concerns about capital punishment, judicial transparency and fair-trial safeguards in Saudi Arabia. Bangladesh is awaiting further clarification from Saudi authorities as questions remain about the proceedings and the notification provided before the executions.