Editorial, News & commercial office:
55/A, H M Siddique Mansion (Level-7), Purana Paltan, Motijhel C/A, Dhaka-1000. Phone: +8802226640056,
e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Dhaka.
Bangladesh was not informed in advance about the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals in Makkah, learning of the development only after it was reported in the media, diplomatic sources in Dhaka and Jeddah confirmed. The Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah dispatched an official note verbale to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (October 15) seeking full details.
A diplomatic source at the Jeddah consulate stated on Friday afternoon that Saudi authorities issued no prior formal notification regarding the impending executions. After reports surfaced in regional outlets, the consulate reached out to Saudi foreign affairs officials requesting an official briefing on the legal proceedings and circumstances surrounding the punishments.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA), quoting the kingdom's Ministry of Interior, confirmed that the capital sentences had been carried out on Wednesday. The executed individuals were identified as Nazrul Islam and Sweety Akhter.
Regional news outlet Gulf News reported that the duo was apprehended by Saudi security forces inside a mosque premises in Makkah on charges of committing immoral and indecent acts.
Following preliminary investigations, specific charges were framed against them in a Sharia court. The tribunal sentenced both to death under the legal principle of Ta'zir (discretionary judicial sentencing), handed down in consideration of the desecration of a sacred mosque and the specific nature of the crime. The verdict was subsequently upheld by higher appellate benches and finalized via a royal order authorizing the executions.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior reiterated Riyadh's stance on safeguarding the sanctity and security of holy sites, emphasizing that Sharia penalties will be enforced against anyone violating the sanctity of places of worship.
