The recent execution of two Bangladeshi nationals in Saudi Arabia has ignited significant outrage. The individuals, identified as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, were reportedly executed on October 14 for allegedly committing “immoral acts” inside a mosque in Mecca. The lack of clarity surrounding the nature of their alleged crimes and the execution process has raised numerous questions about justice and transparency in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi media reports indicate that the executions were sanctioned under the country’s capital punishment laws, which include provisions for ta’zir, or discretionary punishments. However, the specific details of the alleged acts leading to their death sentences have not been disclosed by Saudi authorities, further fuelling public speculation and concern.

Human Rights Watch has noted that Saudi Arabia is one of the highest users of capital punishment globally, with at least 356 executions recorded in 2025, primarily for non-violent drug-related offences. This is despite assertions from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2022 that the death penalty would be limited to murder cases.

Background of the Executed Individuals

Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir, who hailed from Brahmanbaria Sadar upazila in Chattogram Division, moved to Saudi Arabia in November 2022 and worked as a cleaner at the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. His family reported that he was arrested eight months later, and they were informed of his execution only three days prior. His relatives have expressed disbelief regarding the allegations against him, describing him as polite and well-mannered.

Conversely, little information is available about Siti Akhtar, and her relationship with Nazrul remains ambiguous. While Nazrul’s father claimed they were not married, some reports suggest that he may have had an affair with her. The lack of official communication from Saudi authorities has left many questions unanswered.

Following the execution, Nazrul’s family expressed their grief and confusion, stating they had not been notified in advance. His father, who has worked in Saudi Arabia for 24 years, has called for justice, asserting that his son did not receive a fair trial.

Reactions and International Response

The executions have sparked widespread condemnation both within Bangladesh and internationally. Many individuals have taken to social media to express their disbelief and anger over the circumstances surrounding the case. Critics have highlighted the opaque nature of the judicial process in Saudi Arabia and the lack of clarity regarding the alleged crimes.

Legal experts and advocates have pointed out potential violations of international law, particularly concerning the rights of detained foreign nationals. Bangladesh’s government has sought clarification from Saudi Arabia regarding the circumstances of the executions and the treatment of its citizens.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, confirmed that the government was not informed of the executions in advance, learning about them through media reports. The situation raises significant concerns about the communication protocols between the two nations, especially given their commitments under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

As the outrage continues to grow, many are calling for accountability and transparency from Saudi authorities. The lack of information surrounding the case has led to widespread calls for a reassessment of the judicial processes in place and the treatment of foreign nationals in the kingdom.

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