Saudi Arabia Executes Two Bangladeshis in Mecca

Saudi Arabia executed two Bangladeshi nationals in Mecca on October 14, saying they had been convicted of “indecent acts” inside a mosque without specifying the conduct. Bangladesh said it had not been notified in advance and requested the court judgments, charge details and an explanation for the lack of consular notice. A confidential Bangladeshi consulate memo reportedly said the man had been detained over an alleged cybercrime offense and the woman over adultery, but provided no trial records or evidence. The case has prompted concern in Bangladesh and renewed scrutiny of Saudi Arabia’s use of capital punishment and transparency in its justice system. It could affect bilateral ties, given Saudi Arabia’s large Bangladeshi workforce and importance as a source of remittances.