ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh has indicated a willingness to consider joining the trilateral defence framework signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, known as the “Makkah Defence Agreement.
According to Bangladeshi news agency BSC, the Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister, Humayun Kabir, said in an interview that Bangladesh maintains a positive stance toward the possibility of joining the economic or defence framework of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye.
Kabir said the government is pursuing a balanced foreign policy under its “Bangladesh First” policy, with national interests at the centre. He added that Dhaka will consider national interests, the global economy, and changing trade dynamics in making any decision on the matter. He further noted that Bangladesh is working to strengthen practical bilateral ties with Pakistan through regular diplomatic engagement, and to increase trade and people-to-people contacts between the two countries.
Bangladeshi media also reported that Prime Minister Tariq Rahman will soon visit Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince. The agreement was signed this month during a joint defence summit in Makkah. Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the meeting.
Under the pact, the three countries aim to expand defence cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to collective security. The agreement emphasizes promoting peace, security and stability in the region and beyond. The pact includes a mutual defence clause stating that an attack on one-member country will be considered an attack on all three — Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
A day after the signing, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the agreement is technically similar to NATO’s Article 5 mutual defence arrangement. He clarified that the pact is not directed against Iran or any other specific country.
The deal has drawn wide attention. Reports said the US President welcomed the agreement and praised the leadership of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. Meanwhile, Israeli officials described the Makkah agreement as a “very dangerous development. “Bangladesh’s expression of interest suggests Dhaka is exploring closer security and economic alignment with the new bloc, while maintaining its stated policy of balance in foreign relations.
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