The case of execution of a Bangladeshi husband and wife for performing obscene acts in a mosque in Mecca is controversial in Saudi Arabia. According to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior, Nazrul Islam Abdul Bashir and Siti Akhtar were sentenced to death after being found guilty by a court. At the same time, Bangladesh’s consulate in Jeddah has said that it was not informed about the execution before it was executed.
In this case, the biggest debate is over the legal basis of the punishment. According to a statement by Saudi officials, both were sentenced to death under ‘Tajir’. Let us know what is Tajir, what does it mean in Islamic law and how can death penalty be given under it?
What is the whole matter?
Saudi Arabia’s state news agency, the Saudi Press Agency, quoted the Ministry of Interior as saying that Nazrul Islam Abdul Bashir and Siti Akhtar committed lewd acts in a mosque in Mecca. After this, the security officials arrested both of them. After investigating the case, both were produced before the respective court. According to the ministry, the court found the allegations to be true and ruled against the duo. After this he was sentenced to death.
According to the report, the decision was approved by the relevant judicial authority and a royal order was issued to execute the sentence. However, Saudi officials have not publicly mentioned the specific legal provision on which the death penalty was imposed in this case. On the other hand, Bangladesh’s consulate in Jeddah says it was not informed before the punishment was imposed. The embassy has sought formal confirmation of the matter from the Saudi authorities. For this reason, the case has drawn controversy regarding the judicial process and the death penalty awarded to foreign nationals.
What is Tajir?
Under Islamic law, crimes and punishments are mainly classified into three categories – hadad, qisas and tajir. The difference between the three lies in the nature of the crime and the method of determining the punishment associated with it. Tajir is a punishment for which there is no pre-determined punishment in Islamic law. Under this the judge can decide the punishment considering the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offence.
According to Amnesty International, tajir is a category of punishment in Islamic law, not a separate law. It can be applied in cases of crimes or actions which do not fall within the category of justice relating to fixed punishment or retribution. Punishment like warning, fine and imprisonment can be imposed under this. Death penalty can also be given in certain circumstances. However, it does not mean that every offense under Tajir is punishable by death. The decision on punishment depends on the relevant judicial system and the applicable legal rules.
Why are questions raised on Saudi Arabia’s justice system?
According to Amnesty International, Saudi Arabia’s justice system has long relied heavily on Sharia principles and judges’ interpretations. Traditionally there is no comprehensive written penal law that clearly specifies all crimes and their punishments. Sharia is based on the religious principles of Islam. Quran and Sunnah have an important role in this. However, the judge can play a critical role in how these principles are understood and applied in a case.
Written laws also exist in Saudi Arabia. But according to Amnesty, concerns have also been raised about the application of broad provisions of anti-terrorism and cybercrime laws. This includes provisions relating to activities affecting public order, religious values and public morality. Under Tajir, the power of judges to determine the nature of the offense and the punishment is also part of this debate. Critics worry that when there are no clear legal boundaries regarding crime and its punishment, uncertainty in decisions may increase.
What is the death penalty record in Saudi Arabia?
According to data from Amnesty International, more than 175 people have been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia in the first nine months of this year alone through October 2026. Data shows that Saudi Arabia is among the countries in the world where the death penalty is the highest.
According to the report, a large number of foreign nationals were among those sentenced to death this year. During this period, at least 94 foreign nationals from more than 20 countries were sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia.
In recent years, some decisions of Saudi Arabian courts have also been controversial. There are reports of people being jailed for decades for posting on social media. However, in some cases, these sentences have undergone major changes during appeals.
