Saudi Arabia executes Bangladeshi man and woman over alleged indecent acts in Mecca mosque

Saudi Arabia has executed two Bangladeshi nationals, a man and a woman, after convicting them of committing “indecent acts” inside a mosque in the holy city of Mecca, according to Saudi media reports.

Saudi authorities identified the two as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar.

The Saudi Interior Ministry said the sentences reflected the seriousness of the offense, the violation of the mosque’s sanctity, and the circumstances surrounding the acts. They said the pair committed fahisha (an act of sexual indecency) inside a mosque in Mecca. It states that they were arrested, investigated, convicted, and sentenced to death under ta’zir, a discretionary punishment under Islamic law.

Bangladesh learned of the executions Oct. 14, but neither its Foreign Ministry nor its diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia had received advance notification.

State minister for foreign affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Saturday that Bangladesh had requested information about the individuals’ backgrounds, when they arrived in Saudi Arabia, and the circumstances surrounding their executions.

She said arrangements to repatriate their bodies could proceed after Saudi authorities respond.