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BD seeks clarification over executions in Makkah
Published : Saturday, 17 October, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Observer Online Report
File Photo
The Bangladesh government was unaware of the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals in Saudi Arabia over alleged immoral acts at a mosque in the holy city of Makkah until reports emerged in the media, prompting the Bangladesh Consulate in Jeddah to seek details from the Saudi authorities.
Sources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka and the Bangladesh Consulate in Jeddah confirmed the development.
A source at the consulate said on Friday (October 16) that Saudi authorities had not formally informed Bangladesh about the executions beforehand. After the news appeared in the media, the consulate took notice of the matter and sent a letter to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (October 15), seeking detailed information.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA), citing the country’s Ministry of Interior, reported the executions of the two Bangladeshis on Wednesday (October 14). They were identified as Nazrul Islam and Sweety Akhtar.
According to a report by Gulf News, a Middle Eastern news outlet, Saudi security forces arrested them over allegations of engaging in immoral and indecent acts inside a mosque in Makkah.
The report said, an investigation was conducted before charges were brought against them and judicial proceedings began. A court sentenced them to death under the Sharia-based ta’zir provision, which allows judges discretion in determining punishment.
The ruling reportedly took into account the alleged violation of the sanctity of the mosque and the circumstances of the offence. Higher judicial authorities subsequently upheld the verdict, and a royal order authorised the executions.
In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Interior reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the holy mosques, upholding justice and enforcing Sharia law against violations of religious sanctity. It also warned that similar offences at holy sites would attract severe punishment.
Private sources in Saudi Arabia said the case had been heard in a court in Jeddah over several months. Two prominent Bangladeshi citizens reportedly assisted in the proceedings as interpreters.
Questions over consular assistance
Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia are both parties to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. Article 36 of the convention provides for consular notification and communication when a foreign national is detained, subject to the relevant provisions, including the detainee’s request for notification.
However, it remains unclear whether Nazrul Islam and Sweety Akhtar had requested that the Bangladesh Consulate be notified of their detention.
Bangladesh is now awaiting a response from the Saudi authorities to clarify the circumstances of the case and why Dhaka was not formally informed before the executions.
-MT
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
