Senior Correspondent, Dhaka:
Saudi Arabia’s execution of two people identified as Bangladeshi nationals has raised questions about consular notification, access to legal representation, and the protection of migrant workers’ rights, placing fresh pressure on Dhaka to seek a formal explanation from Riyadh.
Four days after Saudi authorities announced the executions of Nazerul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, Bangladesh’s consulate in Jeddah had yet to confirm their identities. According to Bangladeshi officials, a diplomatic note seeking formal confirmation remained unanswered, while Dhaka had learned of the executions through a statement issued by the Saudi Interior Ministry and carried by the state news agency.
The Saudi statement said the two had been arrested, investigated, and convicted of an offense described as an “immoral act” inside a mosque in Makkah. Their death sentences, imposed under ta’zir, a category of discretionary punishment under Islamic law, were upheld before a royal order authorized the executions.
However, the publicly available account did not detail the circumstances of their arrests, the evidence presented, access to legal representation, or whether their families had been informed of the proceedings.
The case raises questions about consular safeguards under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, to which both countries are parties. Article 36 establishes rights relating to consular notification and communication with detained foreign nationals, while Article 37 addresses notification of a foreign national’s death. Whether the relevant procedures were followed in this case remains unclear.
The issue carries particular significance for Bangladesh, as Saudi Arabia is the largest destination for its overseas workers and a major source of remittance income. Many Bangladeshi migrants work in low-paid jobs and face language barriers that can complicate their understanding of local legal procedures.
The executions also come amid wider international scrutiny of Saudi Arabia’s use of capital punishment. Human Rights Watch reported that the kingdom executed at least 356 people in 2025, a record annual total according to the organization’s monitoring.
For Dhaka, the immediate priority is to establish the identities of the deceased and obtain details of the judicial proceedings. A formal request for information on consular access, legal representation, family notification, and the disposition of the bodies would help clarify the circumstances.
The case presents a sensitive diplomatic challenge: Bangladesh must protect its citizens’ rights while maintaining important labor, economic, and bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia. A transparent response from Riyadh would help address these concerns and strengthen confidence in consular cooperation.
