Dhaka Seeks Answers After Saudi Arabia Executes 2 Bangladeshis Without Prior Notice

Bangladesh has sought an explanation from Saudi Arabia over the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals in Makkah, after learning about their deaths only on October 14, the day the sentences were carried out. A fresh report on Monday revealed that the two individuals were included in a list of prisoners previously shared by Saudi authorities with Bangladesh’s diplomatic mission, but the list did not disclose their death sentences.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry Secretary Mohammad Nazrul Islam met Saudi Ambassador Abdullah Zafer H bin Abiyah in Dhaka on Sunday to seek detailed information about the case. Officials clarified that the ambassador was not summoned and that the interaction was a meeting. A formal diplomatic note, known as a note verbale, seeking clarification was handed to the envoy after being sent electronically.

According to The Daily Star, Saudi authorities had shared a list of prisoners with Bangladesh’s Consulate General in Jeddah in September, following a request for information about Bangladeshi detainees in the region. The list reportedly mentioned adultery as the alleged offence against one individual and “ICT” against the other, but contained no information about their verdicts. Officials said the entries could not be linked conclusively to the executions based on the information provided.

The Saudi Interior Ministry identified the executed individuals as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar. They were accused of committing what Saudi authorities described as immoral acts inside a mosque in Makkah. Following an investigation, they were tried and sentenced to death under ta’zir, a form of discretionary punishment under Islamic law. The verdicts were upheld by the relevant judicial authority before a royal order authorised the executions on October 14.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Dhaka was awaiting a complete account of the offences, judicial proceedings and reasons its mission was not notified. She declined to comment on whether Saudi Arabia had violated the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, saying the government needed more information before reaching a conclusion.

The Bangladesh consulate has also sought official confirmation of the individuals’ identities and citizenship, as the Saudi announcement did not include passport or residency details.

Shama said arrangements for repatriating the bodies would depend on receiving clarification from Riyadh. She described the incident as deeply unfortunate while stressing that Bangladeshi citizens must respect the laws of their host countries.