Saudi Arabia has executed two Bangladeshi nationals after a court found them guilty of committing what authorities described as an immoral act inside a mosque in the holy city of Mecca.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior identified the two individuals as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, a man and a woman, in a statement issued on Wednesday.

According to the ministry, security authorities arrested the pair following the incident, and an investigation led to charges being filed against them.

A competent court subsequently found them guilty and sentenced them to death under Ta’zir, a form of discretionary punishment under Islamic law.

The ministry said the court considered the gravity of the offence and the violation of the mosque’s sanctity when handing down the sentences.

It added that the verdict was upheld by the relevant judicial authority before a royal order was issued for the executions to be carried out in accordance with Islamic law.

The executions took place in the Makkah region on Wednesday, the statement said.

However, the ministry did not disclose the exact nature of the alleged act, identify the mosque involved or provide details about when the two Bangladeshis were arrested.

Bangladesh consulate says it was not notified

The Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah said it was not informed of the executions beforehand and had contacted Saudi authorities to seek formal acknowledgement of the matter.

“The consulate was not notified by the ministry beforehand,” the mission told The Daily Star in response to a query.

“In this regard, we have submitted a note verbale to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting formal acknowledgement of the matter,” it added.

The diplomatic mission’s statement raises questions about the communication between Saudi authorities and Bangladesh’s consular officials before the executions.

Saudi Arabia warns against similar offences

The Saudi Ministry of Interior said the executions demonstrated the government’s commitment to maintaining security, upholding justice and enforcing Islamic law.

It also warned that anyone found guilty of similar acts would face punishments prescribed under Islamic law.

The case has drawn attention to Saudi Arabia’s use of the death penalty for offences that authorities consider serious violations of religious sanctity.

The official statement did not provide further details about the court proceedings or whether the two individuals had access to consular assistance during the legal process.