A confidential diplomatic memo has revealed that 2 Bangladeshi nationals executed in Saudi Arabia on October 14, 2026, had been detained since August 2023 over separate allegations involving cybercrime and adultery.
The letter, dated October 18 and sent by the Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah to the ministry responsible for expatriate welfare and overseas employment, identified the individuals as Nazrul Islam Abdul Bashir and Sweety Akhtar.
According to a prisoner list received by the consulate on September 30, Nazrul was detained on August 1, 2023, over an alleged offence under Saudi Arabia’s cybercrime law. Sweety was detained on August 2 over allegations of adultery.
The memo states that 306 Bangladeshis were imprisoned in Saudi Arabia’s western region. Of these, 147 had received prison sentences ranging from 1 month to 15 years. It also mentions 3 separate cybercrime cases in which prison terms ranged from 6 months to 5 years.
The document does not specify the acts behind the allegations against either individual. It also does not include the court judgments or details of the evidence presented during their trials.
The consulate said it was unaware of any previous case in which a Bangladeshi national had received a death sentence in Saudi Arabia for cybercrime or adultery.
The memo notes that Saudi courts provide interpreting assistance, but defendants cannot choose their own interpreters under the arrangement described. It does not confirm whether either individual had an interpreter or legal representation during the proceedings.
According to the consulate, neither family had contacted it or submitted an application for legal assistance. Saudi authorities had also not formally or informally informed the Bangladesh embassy or consulate about the death sentences or executions.
Following the executions, the consulate sent a diplomatic note to the Makkah branch of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting copies of the judgments and details of the judicial proceedings.
The consulate said it would submit a further report after receiving the documents. It has not provided additional details about the cases and is awaiting the court judgments from Saudi authorities.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.