Saudi Arabia has executed two Bangladeshi nationals, a man and a woman, over alleged indecent acts inside a mosque in Mecca, triggering diplomatic questions between Riyadh and Dhaka.
According to Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry, the executions were carried out on October 14 after the death sentences were upheld by the country’s highest court and authorised by royal decree. The ministry said the offences violated the sanctity of the holy site but did not provide detailed information about the alleged acts.
Bangladesh said it learnt about the executions only after they had taken place. Its Foreign Ministry has sought clarification on the allegations, judicial proceedings and why the Bangladeshi diplomatic mission was not informed beforehand. Officials have identified the two as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, though Dhaka has sought further official documentation.
On October 18, a senior Bangladeshi foreign ministry official met Saudi Arabia’s ambassador in Dhaka and handed over a formal diplomatic note seeking answers. Bangladesh has said it hopes the incident will not damage bilateral relations, while acknowledging the importance of respecting the host country’s laws.
As of October 19, Dhaka was still awaiting the court verdict and further details from Saudi authorities. The case has raised questions about consular communication and the protection of citizens facing capital punishment abroad.