Makkah:Jeddah Two Bangladeshi nationals, Nazrul Islam Abdul Bashir and Sweety Akter, were executed in Saudi Arabia after being detained since August 2023 on separate charges. A confidential document from the Labour Welfare Wing of the Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah reveals that the executions took place without prior notification to the Bangladesh Embassy or the consulate.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the information about the executions was first reported by Saudi media, referencing a statement from the Saudi Ministry of Interior issued on October 14. The executions occurred in the Makkah region, with the individuals accused of committing 'indecent acts' inside a mosque in Makkah.
The document highlights that there was no previous record of Bangladeshi nationals being executed in Saudi Arabia for information technology offences or adultery. It also states that the Saudi authorities did not provide detailed information about the cases to the consulate.
Both Nazrul and Sweety were reportedly employed as cleaners at Al-Majal. Nazrul was detained on August 1, 2023, for information technology-related offences, while Sweety was detained on August 2 on an 'adultery charge.' Nazrul was held at the Jeddah Correctional Facility, and Sweety at the Jeddah Women's Prison. The consulate received a list on September 30, which included their names but did not specify their sentences.
The consulate noted that 306 Bangladeshi nationals are detained in western Saudi Arabia for various morality-related cases, with 147 serving prison terms from one month to 15 years. No requests for legal assistance or communication from the families of Nazrul and Sweety were received by the consulate.
The consulate has sent a diplomatic note to the Makkah branch of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeking copies of the verdicts and detailed case information, and plans to submit a comprehensive report once the documents are received.