New development emerges as Bangladesh shows interest in Makkah defence pact

Dhaka is now considering whether to become part of the regional security agreement. Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir said the country has already expressed its interest in the agreement. He said the proposal is being viewed positively by the government.

Bangladesh weighs possible participation

“We have expressed our interest in the Makkah Defence pact […] Bangladesh is now a country of recognition. The partners in West Asia (Middle East), the partners in the Muslim world around the globe are now inviting the leadership of Bangladesh, especially the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, to be with them in many places,” Kabir said.

Kabir was appointed state minister for foreign affairs last week and had previously served as an adviser to Rahman. His comments indicate that Bangladesh is keeping the possibility of joining the agreement under consideration.

What the Makkah agreement means

“If there is one [agreement] in West Asia, if there is a security agreement between Islamic countries, then it is not unusual to go there. Let’s see. The matter is being viewed positively,” Kabir said.

Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement at a trilateral summit in Makkah on August 7. The agreement aims to strengthen collective security, expand defence cooperation and support peace and stability in the region.

Pact could gain wider regional interest

The agreement was signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The signing took place at Al-Safa Palace during the Makkah summit.

Bangladesh’s interest could give the agreement a wider regional dimension if Dhaka eventually decides to join. However, the official comments suggest that discussions are still at an early stage and no final decision has been announced.

Bangladesh’s response shows that the Makkah defence pact is attracting attention beyond its three founding members. Dhaka appears interested in exploring how the agreement could fit into its wider regional and Muslim-world relations.

For Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, wider participation could strengthen the pact’s regional importance. The next key step will be whether Bangladesh moves from expressing interest to formally seeking membership.

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