Bangladesh interested in Makkah defence pact, official says

Bangladesh has signaled its interest in joining the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, a security pact involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye. Humayun Kabir, Bangladesh's state minister for foreign affairs, confirmed the country's positive view of the potential membership.

"We have expressed our interest in the Makkah Defence pact," Kabir stated, highlighting Bangladesh's growing international recognition. He noted that leaders from West Asia and the broader Muslim world are increasingly inviting Bangladesh's leadership to participate in global forums. "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," he said.

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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, who was recently appointed to his current role after serving as an adviser to Prime Minister Rahman, emphasized that joining a security agreement among Islamic countries would not be unusual. "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," he added.

The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed by Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia on August 7. The pact aims to bolster collective security and enhance cooperation among the signatory nations.

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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.