Bangladeshi government officials stated they were not notified in advance of the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals by Saudi Arabian authorities earlier this week. The two individuals, a man and a woman, were put to death in the holy city of Mecca after being convicted of committing what Saudi authorities described as an “indecent act” inside a mosque, though specifics of the alleged offense were not disclosed by the Saudi interior ministry.
The executions were carried out under Islamic legal provisions known as “tazir,” which grant judges discretion in determining punishments. Saudi officials cited the severity of the offense and the violation of the mosque’s sanctity as justification for the capital sentences. Bangladesh’s state minister for foreign affairs Shama Obaed Islam indicated that Bangladeshi authorities have contacted the Saudi government requesting clarification regarding the charges, legal proceedings, and other details of the case.
The incident has generated significant concern within Bangladesh, where more than three million citizens reside and work in Saudi Arabia, predominantly in lower-wage employment sectors. Although the two executed individuals had appeared on a prisoner list that Saudi Arabia previously provided to Bangladesh following a request from the Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah, that documentation did not indicate they had received death sentences.
The Bangladeshi government has pledged to consider subsequent actions, including arrangements for the return of the executed individuals’ remains, pending receipt of additional information from Saudi authorities. Officials emphasized their commitment to protecting the welfare and interests of Bangladeshis working abroad. This execution represents another instance in a pattern of capital punishments carried out by Saudi Arabia, which human rights organizations report has executed approximately 100 individuals this year, with a substantial portion being foreign nationals convicted of drug-related crimes.
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