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The people of Bangladesh have been responding to the execution of two Bangladeshis on October 14. The Saudi authorities justified that the two Bangladeshis were “punished for an indecent act committed inside a mosque at Mecca.” There was no prior notice from Dhaka on the matter. If you’re a migrant worker in Saudi Arabia, the case poses a practical issue for you: what are your rights as a migrant worker if you’re detained?
Quick Facts
- On October 14, 2026, two Bangladeshi nationals were shot dead in Mecca.
- The reason Riyadh gave was an “indecent act” in a mosque, with some reports speculating as to whether it was a kiss, but no details have been confirmed.
- The sentence was reportedly given at the discretion of the court under a system of ta’zir, which involves the judge making his own decision as to the crime and punishment.
- Dhaka has requested the court verdicts, offences and the reasons for not providing notice.
- Two of them are alleged to have been killed because they had a dispute with their employers, which has not been confirmed.
The Mecca Executions
The ministry in Saudi Arabia announced the names of the pair as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar. The officials gave no details of the mosque involved, when the arrest was made, or of the specific actions that had occurred. Bangladeshi news reports indicated that Nazrul was a maintenance worker in Mecca and was arrested for about three years; his family claims they were told of the arrest a month later. It is not known if the two were a couple or co-workers.
Why Ta’zir Matters for Foreign Workers
While fixed-penalty offences have fixed penalties, a ta’zir allows judges to exercise ample discretion. There is no complete written penal code in place, and sentences are often unpredictable in the Saudi criminal law system for many offences. This is why it’s crucial for foreign nationals to have legal representation in Saudi Arabia as early as possible, even with the death penalty or less serious charges.
Your Consular Rights
Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations provides that a detained foreigner may request the authorities to inform his or her embassy. Under Article 37(a), States must notify the consular post of a foreign national’s death. Although there is no specific rule that requires advance notice of an execution, experts say Riyadh’s silence on the executions violates this.
What Workers Should Do If Detained
- Ask immediately for your embassy or consulate to be informed. It is important that workers in the West know how to contact the Bangladesh Consulate in Jeddah.
- Ask for an interpreter and don’t sign documents that aren’t in the language you can read.
- Get your family to get in touch with your country’s Foreign Ministry and recruiting agency.
- Ask for a lawyer and inquire about legal aid from your mission.
- Record all workplace conflicts, any messages and contracts that may help in your defence.
Lower Your Risks When Abroad
Before going abroad to work, know the local etiquettes, particularly in the areas around sanctuaries. Be sure to have your emergency contacts at your embassy, be sure your family has contacts of your employers, and solve any issues with your colleagues upfront.
Big Picture
Because there are close connections between the two countries in terms of religion and employment, this is an example of how overseas workers are not protected. Until they do, Riyadh will be under pressure to offer more consular assistance to workers and their families.
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2. Was Justice Denied in Saudi Arabia’s Execution?
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3. Will Saudi Arabia Release Detained Rights Activists?
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