Crimeupdated 1h ago2 min read
Saudi Arabia Executes Two Bangladeshi Nationals In Mecca After “Indecent Acts” Convictions
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Two Bangladeshi nationals, a man and a woman, executed in Mecca for indecent acts. Bangladesh says it was not informed in advance of the executions.
Executions in Mecca
Saudi Arabia executed two Bangladeshi nationals, a man and a woman, after they were convicted of committing “indecent acts” in a mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca. Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry said the Bangladeshis were executed because of “the gravity and seriousness of their actions in violating the sanctity of both time and place”.
“Bangladesh is waiting for an official response from Saudi Arabia before deciding its next move.”
Bangladesh said it was not informed before the sentences were carried out and has sought information from Saudi Arabia. Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said, “Bangladesh is waiting for an official response from Saudi Arabia before deciding its next move.”
Names, law, and notice
The Saudi Interior Ministry named the offenders as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, and it said the executions were carried out for “indecent acts” committed inside a mosque in Mecca. The Saudi Interior Ministry said the executions were carried out because of “the gravity and seriousness of their actions in violating the sanctity of both time and place,” without saying what the alleged acts were.
Bangladesh said neither the Foreign Ministry nor its mission in Saudi Arabia was notified beforehand, and a senior ministry official told UNB that a diplomatic note was handed to the Saudi ambassador on Sunday seeking details and an explanation. The BBC reported the pair were convicted under tazir, which leaves punishment to a judge’s discretion, and Bangladesh said it would consider next steps, including bringing the bodies home, after getting information from Saudi authorities.
Diplomatic and legal stakes
Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry Secretary Md Nazrul Islam discussed the executions with Saudi Ambassador Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah, and officials made a point of clarifying that the ambassador had not been summoned.
Bangladesh’s minister for foreign affairs Humaiun Kobir told reporters, “We have sought an explanation from our friendly bilateral partner to look into the matter and know why the gap in information sharing and exchanges happened here. We are in discussions,” while Bangladesh waited for a copy of the full verdict and the circumstances that led to the execution.
Amnesty International said Saudi Arabia has executed foreign nationals this year, and the BBC said Amnesty International reported that Saudi Arabia has executed around 100 people this year, many of them foreigners convicted of drug offences.
The executions also raised public concern in Bangladesh, where more than three million Bangladeshis work and live in Saudi Arabia, mostly in low-paying jobs.