Saudi executions of two Bangladeshis: what is known and why Dhaka seeks answers

20 October 2026 | International | Explained

Saudi Arabia executed two Bangladeshi nationals in the Makkah region on 14 October. Its authorities linked the case to an alleged ‘immoral act’ in a mosque. Bangladesh says it received no advance warning and is seeking the judgments and details of the proceedings.

Who were they?

The reported Saudi statement named Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar. A 20 October report on a Bangladeshi consular memo uses Sweety Akhtar for the woman. Their marital relationship is not established in the material reviewed.

What is the Saudi account?

The reported Interior Ministry account says investigation and trial led to death sentences under ta’zir, a discretionary punishment category. It says the judgments were upheld and implemented after a royal order. Detailed court reasoning was not included in that account.

What did Bangladesh know?

Bangladeshi officials say an earlier prisoner list contained both names but did not disclose their death sentences. On 18 October, Dhaka requested details from the Saudi ambassador and provided a diplomatic note. Knowledge of detention is different from advance knowledge of an execution.

Why is the allegation still unclear?

The newer memo-based report says both had been detained since August 2023. It records a cybercrime allegation for Nazrul and an adultery allegation for Sweety. The memo does not explain how those entries relate to the offences for which they were executed. Those labels should not be treated as a complete account of the final convictions.

What remains unverified?

The material reviewed does not identify the mosque or establish that the incident occurred at the Grand Mosque or inside the Kaaba. It does not establish the execution method or whether these defendants had lawyers or interpreters. Saudi authorities say the judgments were upheld; without detailed judgments, the underlying evidence and legal process cannot be independently assessed.