Bangladesh Could Consider Joining Mecca Pact, in Test for Foreign Ties
State Minister Humayun Kobir said Dhaka views the Saudi-led pact positively as it seeks broader strategic ties and balances relations with India.
- On Monday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kobir announced Bangladesh's interest in joining the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, a mutual security pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan.
- Signed at Al-Safa palace in Makkah, the agreement functions like NATO, pledging collective defense among the three Sunni Muslim-majority nations; Bangladesh is a secular republic where more than 90% of the population identifies as Sunni Muslim.
- Under the "Bangladesh First" approach, Kobir emphasized that Bangladesh is pursuing a balanced foreign policy with national interests at its core, as partners in the Muslim world have invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to participate.
- Geopolitical analyst Kollol Kibria warned that joining a military bloc could complicate ties with India, China, and the United States, stating, "Once Bangladesh joins a military bloc, the question of which side Bangladesh is on becomes much harder to avoid."
- Prime Minister Rahman's visit to Riyadh, at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is expected soon, though the potential alliance membership poses risks to Bangladesh's export-driven economy reliant on global commercial ties.
32 Articles
32 Articles
(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Yoo Chang-yeop = Bangladesh is weighing its options regarding joining the 'Mecca Accords,' a mutual defense treaty recently concluded by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan...
Bangladesh has expressed openness to exploring joining the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, in a move that could have regional and political dimensions that go beyond defense cooperation between the signatory countries...
Bangladesh could join Mecca pact, official suggests
Bangladesh could join Mecca pact, official suggests Submitted by MEE staff on Tue, 08/25/2026 - 17:03 According to Reuters, the consideration follows an invitation from Saudi Arabia The military gathers as part of preparations for the election, at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 5 February 2026 (AFP) Off Bangladesh may be joining the defence agreement signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan earlier this month. Bangladeshi Sta…
Bangladesh could consider joining Mecca pact, in test for foreign ties
By Ruma Paul DHAKA, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Bangladesh could consider joining the Mecca pact, a mutual defence agreement signed this month between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, a minister said, a move that could complicate its foreign relations, partic...
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