Outrage, diplomatic row as Saudi Arabia executes newlywed Bangladeshi couple for ‘adultry’
By Gregory Tav
Global outrage has trailed the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals in Saudi Arabia for allegedly committing an immoral act inside a mosque in Mecca, in a case that has sparked diplomatic tension between Dhaka and Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior announced on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, that it had executed Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, both Bangladeshi nationals, after a competent court found them guilty of an immoral act inside a mosque in the Makkah region.
According to the official statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, security authorities arrested the pair after the incident, investigated and charged them, and referred the case to court. The court imposed the death penalty under ta’zir, a discretionary punishment under Islamic law, citing the gravity of the offence and the violation of the sanctity of the time and place. The ministry said the verdict was upheld by the competent judicial authority and a royal order was issued to carry out the sentences. The executions were carried out on Wednesday, October 14, in the Makkah region.
However, the ministry did not disclose the exact nature of the alleged act, the name of the mosque, or when the arrests were made, fueling confusion and speculation online.
While the Saudi statement referred to a sexual act, trending accounts in Bangladesh and on social media have claimed the couple were newlyweds on honeymoon performing Umrah, and that the “immoral act” was a forehead kiss by the husband to appreciate Allah for a beautiful bride. According to those unverified reports, Saudi authorities refused to consider they were a couple.
The Saudi ministry reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining security and enforcing Islamic law against those who violate the sanctity of mosques.
The incident has triggered widespread backlash, with human rights groups, Muslim faithful and social media users questioning the proportionality of the punishment, particularly if the act was a non-sexual display of affection between married couples.
Diplomatically, the case has embarrassed Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah said it was not notified in advance of the executions and had submitted a diplomatic note seeking formal acknowledgement. On Sunday, October 18, Dhaka formally sought an explanation from Riyadh.
Foreign Ministry’s East and West Asia Division Secretary, Mohammad Nazrul Islam met with Saudi Ambassador Abdullah Zafer H bin Abiyah to seek detailed information, with officials saying neither Dhaka nor its mission in Riyadh was informed about the legal proceedings before the executions were carried out.
Bangladesh’s embassy in Riyadh informed the Foreign Ministry that the two nationals were accused of committing adultery inside a mosque in Makkah.
As of Monday, Saudi authorities had not released further evidentiary details, while Bangladesh says it is still awaiting a full report from Riyadh.