Dhaka says it views possible participation positively as Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan deepen collective security cooperation

DHAKA: Bangladesh has expressed interest in joining the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed by Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, a senior Bangladeshi diplomat said on Monday.

Humayun Kabir, Bangladesh’s newly appointed state minister for foreign affairs, confirmed Dhaka had communicated its interest in the trilateral defence arrangement. He said Bangladesh’s growing international standing had created opportunities for closer engagement with countries across the Muslim world.

“We have expressed our interest in the Mecca Defence pact,” Kabir said, adding that partners in West Asia and other Muslim-majority regions were increasingly engaging with the government of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Dhaka Views Potential Participation Positively

Kabir, who previously served as an adviser to Rahman, said Bangladesh saw nothing unusual about considering participation in a security framework involving Islamic countries.

Furthermore, he said Dhaka was examining the matter positively, although he stopped short of announcing any formal decision or timeline for joining the agreement.

His remarks signal Bangladesh’s interest in expanding defence and diplomatic cooperation with major regional partners, particularly as new security arrangements emerge across the Middle East and wider Muslim world.

However, further discussions would likely be required between Bangladesh and the three founding members before any expansion of the agreement.

Three Countries Signed Pact in Mecca

Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement during a trilateral summit in the Saudi holy city on August 7.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the agreement at Al-Safa Palace.

Under the agreement, the three countries pledged to strengthen collective security and deepen defence cooperation.

Moreover, the partners committed themselves to promoting regional and international peace and stability through closer coordination.

Bangladesh’s expression of interest could therefore potentially broaden the emerging defence framework beyond its three founding countries.

Dhaka has yet to announce whether it will formally seek membership or provide details about possible negotiations with Ankara, Riyadh and Islamabad.