Press Release

ICHRRF Condemns Reported Executions of Two Bangladeshi Nationals in Saudi Arabia and

Calls for Accountability Over Alleged Denial of Consular Access

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