In brief
Bangladesh foreign ministry claims it was only made aware after the death sentences of two Bangladeshi nationals executed in Mecca. Saudi authorities cited a conviction for an "indecent act" inside a mosque, with the case falling under the discretionary tazir punishment. Diplomatic channels have been opened to seek full details, with Bangladesh planning steps including repatriation of bodies. The incident reflects broader concerns over the treatment of foreign workers in Saudi Arabia, where over a hundred executions this year have targeted foreigners.
Bangladesh’s foreign ministry said it was not notified about the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, until afterwards. The Saudi Interior Ministry confirmed that a man and a woman were executed last Wednesday following a conviction for an "indecent act" inside a mosque, but did not disclose the exact offence.
The executions were carried out under the discretionary punishment known as tazir in Islamic law, which the ministry said was imposed because of the perceived severity of the offence and the violation of mosque sanctity.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam announced that Bangladesh has formally requested detailed information from Saudi Arabia about the case and the legal proceedings. The government will decide on measures such as repatriating the bodies once further details are received.
Saudi Arabia has executed more than a hundred people this year, many of them foreigners convicted of drug offences. Bangladesh, home to over three million expatriate workers in the kingdom, has reacted with public concern following the double execution.
While Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia enjoy close ties through shared religious significance and economic cooperation, the incident underscores the challenges faced by migrant workers seeking adequate consular protection abroad.
