The International Council for Human Rights, Religious Freedom and Tolerance (ICHRRF) expresses grave concern over the reported execution of two Bangladeshi nationals, identified as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on October 14, 2026. According to the information provided to ICHRRF, the individuals were convicted of committing an alleged “immoral act” inside a mosque in Mecca.
 
ICHRRF is particularly concerned by allegations that the executions were carried out without notifying the Government of Bangladesh and without providing the individuals with consular access. If substantiated, these allegations raise serious questions about compliance with international human rights standards, due process guarantees, and the obligations of states toward foreign nationals facing criminal proceedings that may result in the death penalty.
 
The organization recognizes the importance of respecting the sanctity of religious sites and acknowledges that states may enforce laws governing conduct within places of worship. However, the protection of religious sanctity must not come at the expense of fundamental human rights, fair-trial guarantees, and the right to seek consular assistance. Allegations involving conduct in a place of worship do not, by themselves, eliminate the state’s obligation to ensure a fair judicial process and a proportionate sentence.
 
Serious Concerns Regarding Due Process and Consular Protection
 
ICHRRF notes that the Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah reportedly stated that it had not been notified of the executions in advance and had subsequently sought formal clarification from Saudi authorities. Subsequent reporting indicates that the Government of Bangladesh requested details of the proceedings, copies of the judgments, information about the charges, and an explanation for the absence of prior notification. As of October 21, 2026, Bangladesh was still awaiting a substantive response from Saudi Arabia.
 
The distinction between the reported absence of prior notification and the separate allegation that Consular access was denied is important. ICHRRF calls for a full accounting of both issues, including whether the individuals were informed of their consular rights, whether they had access to legal representation, and whether the Bangladeshi diplomatic mission was given a meaningful opportunity to assist them before the executions.
 
Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations establishes rights concerning communication between detained foreign nationals and their consular representatives. Article 37(a) addresses notification of the relevant consular post when a foreign national dies in the receiving state, subject to the Convention’s applicable conditions. The circumstances of this case warrant a transparent examination of the relevant obligations and whether they were fulfilled.
 
ICHRRF emphasizes that the death penalty is irreversible, making transparency, access to legal counsel, effective judicial review, and strict observance of applicable international safeguards indispensable. Where a state imposes capital punishment, the gravity of the sentence demands the highest standards of procedural fairness.
 
ICHRRF Calls Upon the Government of Saudi Arabia to:

1. Provide a full and transparent explanation of the circumstances leading to the executions of Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, including the precise charges, the evidence considered by the courts, and the legal basis for imposing the death penalty.
 
2. Release or provide the relevant judicial records to the Government of Bangladesh, including the judgments, appellate decisions, and documentation establishing that the prescribed legal procedures were followed.
 
3. Clarify the circumstances surrounding consular notification and access, including whether the two individuals were informed of their rights under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and whether they were able to communicate with Bangladeshi consular officials and obtain legal assistance.
 
4. Explain why the Bangladeshi diplomatic mission was not notified before the executions, as reported by the consulate, and clarify whether any opportunity existed for diplomatic intervention, legal assistance, or humanitarian representations before the sentences were carried out.
 
5. Cooperate fully with the Government of Bangladesh in verifying the identities of the deceased, informing their families, providing relevant documentation, and facilitating the return of their remains in accordance with the families’ wishes and applicable procedures.
 
6. Review procedures governing capital cases involving foreign nationals to ensure that consular notification, access to legal representation, and all applicable safeguards are respected before any irreversible sentence is implemented.
 
A Call for Accountability and Human Dignity
 
ICHRRF respects the right of Saudi Arabia to administer its legal system and protect the sanctity of religious institutions. However, national sovereignty and the enforcement of domestic law must be exercised consistently with applicable international obligations and fundamental principles of justice. Saudi Arabia hosts thousands of foreign migrant workers who are working under conditions of “indentured servitude” because their passports are taken by their employers and they cannot change jobs without permission from the current employer. This puts foreign workers at the mercy of the employers.
 
The reported executions also underscore the vulnerability of migrant workers who may face criminal proceedings far from their families, communities, and national support systems. Foreign nationals must not be left without meaningful access to consular assistance or adequate information about proceedings that may determine whether they live or die.
 
ICHRRF urges the Government of Bangladesh to pursue this matter through appropriate diplomatic channels and seek a comprehensive account of the proceedings. It further encourages relevant international human rights mechanisms to examine the case in light of applicable international standards.
 
Justice requires more than the announcement of a verdict. It requires transparency, accountability, and respect for human dignity at every stage of the legal process. ICHRRF calls upon Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh to work toward establishing the full facts of this case and ensuring that the rights of foreign nationals facing capital punishment are protected in the future.
 
Issued by: International Council for Human Rights, Religious Freedom and Tolerance (ICHRRF)

For media inquiries: ICHRRF Communications Office
 
Erik Kalasunas
Director of Communications
Erik.Kalasunas@ichrrf.onmicrosoft.com
www.ICHRRF.ORG