By Aaron Hammond 
Saudi Arabia has reportedly executed two Bangladeshi nationals following their conviction over an alleged indecent act inside a mosque in Makkah.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the executions on October 14, 2026, identifying the individuals as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar. The case has attracted widespread attention, with social media posts claiming the pair were newlyweds on honeymoon who were executed for kissing. However, official information does not confirm that account. Saudi authorities have not publicly explained the precise act that led to their convictions.
What Did Saudi Authorities Confirm?
According to reports published by Bangladesh’s The Daily Star, Saudi authorities said they arrested the two individuals, investigated the case and referred it to a competent court. The court convicted them and imposed the death penalty under ta’zir, a category of Islamic law that allows judicial discretion in determining punishment. The Saudi statement cited the seriousness of the offence and the sanctity of the mosque and holy city. However, it did not identify the mosque or provide a detailed account of what happened.
Were They Really a Couple on Honeymoon?
This is where the viral story needs careful attention. Social media posts claim the two were married and travelled to Saudi Arabia for Umrah during their honeymoon. Some versions say a man filmed them kissing in a mosque courtyard and reported them to the authorities. However, these details remain unverified, and reports about the man’s family have challenged the claim that the two were married. There is also no confirmed evidence that a kiss alone led to their death sentences. Readers should not treat these dramatic claims as established facts simply because they appear in widely shared posts.
Bangladesh Seeks Answers From Saudi Arabia
The executions have raised diplomatic concerns in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah told The Daily Star that it had not received advance notification from Saudi authorities. The consulate said it had submitted a formal diplomatic note requesting acknowledgement of the executions. The case has also raised questions about transparency, access to information and the treatment of foreign nationals facing serious criminal charges abroad.
The confirmed reports of the executions are serious enough without adding details that authorities have not established. A separate execution video circulating online has also been wrongly linked to this case. India Today’s fact check traced that footage to a 2015 execution involving a Myanmar woman, not the two Bangladeshi nationals. For Ghanaians following the story, the lesson is simple: check the source before sharing shocking claims. The executions deserve scrutiny, but accurate reporting must separate confirmed facts from speculation and allow the available evidence to speak for itself.
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