Saudi Arabia executed two Bangladeshi workers, Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, for alleged adultery in Mecca. The Bangladeshi government was not notified before the executions took place. The Saudi Interior Ministry defended the actions, emphasizing the violation of the sanctity of the holy city. The Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry is now considering how to proceed, including the repatriation of the bodies. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding capital punishment in Saudi Arabia, which has one of the highest execution rates globally.
Key facts
- Two Bangladeshi workers were executed in Saudi Arabia for alleged adultery.
- The executions occurred in the Makkah region on October 19, 2026.
- The Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry was not informed before the executions.
- Saudi Arabia recorded at least 356 executions in 2025.
- Over three million Bangladeshis live and work in Saudi Arabia.
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