Bangladesh is considering joining the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye on August 6. The agreement aims to strengthen collective deterrence and was formed amid regional tensions.
Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir announced that 'positive dialogue' is underway regarding Dhaka joining the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, according to Prothom Alo. The agreement was signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye on August 6 with the aim of strengthening 'collective deterrence'. This means an attack against any one of the three countries would be considered an attack against all.
The agreement comes in the context of heightened tensions in West Asia. According to reports, the war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States has contributed to this escalation.
India, too, is examining the implications from the perspective of 'national security as well as considerations of regional, peace and stability'.
Kobir stated that Bangladesh sees no risk in joining the pact. He further added that Dhaka views the pact positively 'within the broader context of addressing challenges facing the Islamic world'. Kobir also mentioned that discussions are ongoing with all parties involved, including bilateral partners.
The Makkah Joint Defense Agreement brings together three Sunni Muslim-majority countries. Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s largest oil exporters and home to Islam’s holiest sites. Pakistan is the only nuclear-armed Muslim-majority country, while Türkiye has the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s second-largest military.
Kobir emphasized that Bangladesh must approach foreign policy and security cooperation in a 'very integrated and flexible' manner. With the pact, Dhaka will 'balance our international relations', added Kobir.
However, Kobir’s statements come amid strained ties between India and Bangladesh, as uncertainty continues surrounding Dhaka’s demand for New Delhi to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Source:
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