Saudi authorities say Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar were convicted of committing an act described as “sexual immorality” inside a mosque. Bangladesh’s consulate says it was not notified of the executions in advance.
Two Bangladeshi Nationals Executed in Mecca Region
Saudi Arabia has executed two Bangladeshi nationals after a court convicted them of committing what authorities described as an “immoral act” inside a mosque in the holy city of Mecca.
The Saudi Interior Ministry identified the individuals as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, a woman. According to the ministry’s statement, the executions took place on October 14, 2026, in the Mecca region. The announcement was reported by Saudi and international media outlets.
Court Sentences Upheld Before Executions
According to the Saudi Interior Ministry, security authorities arrested the two individuals and filed charges following an investigation. A competent court subsequently found them guilty and sentenced them to death under ta’zir, a category of discretionary punishment under Islamic law.
The ministry said the court cited the seriousness of the offence and the violation of the sanctity of the place. The verdict was upheld by the relevant judicial authority before a royal order authorised the executions.
Authorities Have Not Disclosed Full Details
Despite announcing the executions, Saudi authorities have not publicly specified the precise nature of the alleged act or identified the mosque where the incident occurred. Details about when the two individuals were arrested have also not been disclosed in the statements cited by news reports.
The available information is based primarily on the Saudi Interior Ministry’s account of the case.
Bangladesh Consulate Seeks Official Acknowledgement
The case has also raised diplomatic questions. Bangladesh’s Consulate General in Jeddah told The Daily Star that it had not been notified of the executions beforehand.
A consular official said the mission had submitted a formal diplomatic note, known as a note verbale, to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeking official acknowledgement of the matter.
Saudi Arabia Reiterates Enforcement of Its Laws
Following the executions, the Saudi Interior Ministry reiterated the government’s position on enforcing Islamic law and protecting the sanctity of mosques. It warned that similar acts would attract punishment under the kingdom’s legal system.
The case has drawn attention to Saudi Arabia’s use of capital punishment and the importance of consular notification when foreign nationals face the death penalty.