Saudi Arabian authorities have carried out the death sentences of two Bangladeshi nationals, Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, convicted of indecent act inside a mosque in the holy city of Mecca.
The exact offence has not been disclosed but the speculation that the couple were arrested after one kissed the other on the forehead has been dismissed as false.
In an official statement released through the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Ministry of Interior identified the individuals as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar.
Judicial process and execution under Islamic law
Following their arrest by security personnel, the two individuals underwent investigation and were subsequently referred to a competent court.
The court found both suspects guilty and passed death sentences as a discretionary punishment known as Ta’zir, citing the gravity of the offense and the explicit violation of the mosque’s sacred status.
The legal proceedings concluded after higher judicial bodies upheld the ruling, leading to the issuance of a royal order authorising the executions, which were carried out in the Makkah region on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Reiteration of legal standards and diplomatic response
The Saudi Ministry of Interior emphasized that the punishment reflects the kingdom’s strict stance on upholding justice, securing holy sites, and enforcing Islamic law against actions that desecrate religious places or breach public morality.
Authorities issued a stern warning that similar violations would face equal legal consequences under capital statutes.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah confirmed that it submitted a formal note verbale to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeking details and official notification regarding the executions.
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