Bangladesh Seeks Explanation After Saudi Arabia Executes Two Nationals

The Government of Bangladesh has requested a formal explanation from Saudi Arabia following the October 14 execution of a Bangladeshi man and woman in Mecca. The two individuals were convicted of committing an indecent act and adultery inside a mosque. The Saudi Ministry of Interior stated the death sentences were issued under tazir, which allows punishments at a judge's discretion based on the severity of the offense and the violation of the mosque's sanctity.

Bangladesh claims it received no prior notification of the arrests, legal proceedings, or sentencing. While the two individuals appeared on a prisoner list provided to the Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah, the government noted the list did not indicate they were sentenced to death.

On October 18, Bilateral Affairs Secretary M Nazrul Islam delivered a physical note verbale to Saudi Ambassador Abdullah Zafer H Abiyah seeking clarification. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam announced that the government is awaiting detailed information on the legal proceedings before determining next steps, including the repatriation of the bodies.