Saudi Arabia has carried out the executions of two Bangladeshi nationals following a court ruling over what authorities described as an immoral act inside a mosque in Makkah. The executions took place on October 14, 2026, according to reports citing the Saudi Interior Ministry.
The individuals were identified in media reports as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, although their names have been spelt differently across reports. Saudi authorities stated that the two were arrested, investigated, charged and subsequently convicted by a competent court. The court imposed death sentences under ta'zir, a category of punishment under Islamic law that allows judicial discretion. The sentences were upheld before a royal order authorised their implementation.
However, the Saudi Interior Ministry's public statement did not specify the precise act involved, identify the mosque or disclose detailed information about the proceedings.
The executions have raised concerns in Bangladesh, where officials say the country's diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia was not informed before the sentences were carried out.
Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs subsequently sought detailed information from the Saudi government, including clarification regarding the allegations, judicial proceedings and circumstances surrounding the executions. A formal diplomatic communication was also sent to Saudi authorities requesting an official response.
Further reporting published on October 20 and 21 cited information from Bangladesh's consulate in Jeddah suggesting that the two individuals had been detained over separate allegations, reportedly involving cybercrime and adultery. The consulate has sought copies of the court judgments and additional details from Saudi authorities. These reports indicate that the full circumstances of the cases remain unclear.
The case has drawn attention to the need for further information about the allegations, the judicial process and the absence of prior notification to Bangladesh's diplomatic mission.
As of October 21, 2026, publicly available reports indicate that Bangladesh is awaiting a fuller explanation from Saudi Arabia. Until the relevant judgments and supporting details are made available, several aspects of the cases remain unverified.
