Saudi Arabia has executed two Bangladeshi nationals after a court found them guilty of what authorities described as an “immoral act” inside a mosque in the holy city of Mecca.
The two individuals were identified as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, according to a statement issued by the Saudi Interior Ministry and published by the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The development was also reported by Gulf News.
According to the ministry, security officials arrested the pair following the incident. Investigations were subsequently conducted, leading to charges being brought against them before a competent court.
The court sentenced the two to death under ta’zir, a form of discretionary punishment under Islamic law. The ministry said the decision was based on the seriousness of the offence and the alleged violation of the sanctity of the mosque.
The ruling was later upheld by the relevant judicial authority, after which a royal order was issued authorising the executions.
The executions took place in the Mecca region on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
However, Saudi authorities have not publicly disclosed the exact nature of the alleged offence in the statement cited by Gulf News. Reports circulating on social media claim that the incident involved the man kissing the woman on the forehead inside the mosque.
Other online accounts have suggested that the pair were newlyweds who had travelled to Mecca for their honeymoon. However, neither claim has been confirmed by the official statement from the Saudi authorities.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah told The Daily Star that it had not received prior notification of the executions in Mecca.
The consulate said it had submitted a diplomatic note to the Saudi authorities requesting formal confirmation and clarification regarding the matter.
Bangladesh indicated that it would wait for an official response from the Saudi government before providing further information. Shama Obaed added that arrangements for the repatriation of the bodies could be made once Dhaka receives a response to its diplomatic communication.
The Saudi Interior Ministry reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to enforcing its laws, warning that individuals found guilty of similar offences would face legal consequences.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar.