[REVISION HISTORY]

Saudi Arabia execution of Bangladeshi nationals

Updated 6 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-25 09:26 UTC → 2026-10-25 14:12 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Saudi Arabian authorities executed two Bangladeshi nationals, Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, in the Makkah region on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The executions followed convictions for “indecent acts” committed inside a mosque. The Saudi Ministry of Interior stated the death penalty was issued under ta’zir, a form of discretionary punishment under Sharia law, citing the “gravity of the offense” and the violation of the sanctity of the location. The death sentences were upheld by the highest court and authorized by a royal decree. The Bangladeshi government has expressed significant disappointment regarding the incident, noting that neither the embassy in Riyadh nor the consulate in Jeddah was notified of the arrests, legal proceedings, or the executions. Officials noted that while the individuals appeared on a previously shared prisoner list, there was no indication that they had been sentenced to death. The Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah has since issued a diplomatic letter to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeking detailed information. This inquiry includes six specific questions to clarify the circumstances, such as the nature of the offenses, the dates of arrest, and the provision of certified court verdicts. The consulate is also seeking to determine the method of execution, the location of the bodies, and whether the deceased will be repatriated. Additionally, officials are investigating whether the individuals had access to legal representation or requested legal assistance during their investigation and trial. In response to the incident, legal notices have been issued in Bangladesh to government officials. These notices demand transparency regarding the diplomatic steps taken before and after the executions, as well as the implementation of measures to protect other Bangladeshi citizens facing death sentences abroad.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.