Bangladesh seeks answers after Saudi executes two of its citizens

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 19:43 · Archive

Saudi Arabia executed two Bangladeshi nationals last week for an alleged indecent act in a mosque in Mecca without informing Bangladesh beforehand.

Saudi Arabia's interior ministry said two Bangladeshi nationals were executed last Wednesday after being convicted of committing an 'indecent act' inside a mosque in Mecca. The ministry did not specify the nature of the act. They were convicted and sentenced to death under 'tazir', an Islamic legal provision that gives judges discretion in deciding punishments. The ministry stated the sentences reflected the severity of the offence and the violation of the mosque's 'sanctity'.

Bangladeshi authorities say they were not informed of the execution until after it had taken place. Bangladesh's foreign minister Humaiun Kobir told reporters the country had sought an explanation from Saudi Arabia about the information gap. State minister for foreign affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Bangladesh was committed to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens abroad and would consider next steps, including body repatriation, after receiving more information from Saudi authorities.

Over three million Bangladeshi nationals work and live in Saudi Arabia, mostly in low-paying jobs. The news of the execution has raised public concern in Bangladesh. The two countries maintain close relations due to their shared Islamic faith and strong economic ties.

How it is being reported

• Saudi Arabia executes 2 Bangladeshi citizens; Bangladesh asks whyBangladeshi authorities sought answers Monday after two of its citizens were executed by the Saudi Arabian government last week.UPI · 19 Oct, 19:34
• Bangladesh says it was not informed of its citizens' execution by Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia said it executed two Bangladeshis last week for committing an "indecent act" in a mosque.BBC World · 19 Oct, 09:17

In this story: Bangladesh · Saudi Arabia · Mecca · Humaiun Kobir · Shama Obaed Islam

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem