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 Makkah. The executions took place on October 14, 2026, according to the Saudi Ministry of Interior. The two individuals were identified as Nazerul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar. However, Saudi authorities have not revealed the exact nature of the alleged offence or named the mosque where the incident took place.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Interior, security officials arrested the two individuals and filed charges after an investigation. The case was then taken to a competent court, which found them guilty and sentenced them to death. The ministry said the court considered the seriousness of the offence and the sanctity of the place where it allegedly occurred. The sentences were upheld by the relevant authorities, and a royal order was issued to carry out the executions. The punishment was imposed under ta’zir, a category of punishment under Islamic law in which the court has discretion in deciding the penalty.
The executions have also raised questions in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah said it had not received prior notice from Saudi authorities. After learning about the executions through official reports, the consulate contacted Saudi officials through diplomatic channels and requested formal confirmation and further details about the case. Bangladeshi officials have sought information about the individuals’ identities, the charges against them and the reasons behind the punishment.
Saudi authorities have not publicly explained what the alleged act involved, when the two individuals were arrested or which mosque was connected to the case. Details about the legal proceedings and whether the individuals received consular assistance have also not been made public in the available reports.
The case has drawn attention to the treatment of foreign nationals facing serious criminal charges in Saudi Arabia. Further clarification from Saudi authorities is awaited as Bangladesh seeks official information through diplomatic channels.