Bangladesh may join Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defence pact

Bangladesh is positively evaluating an invitation to join a mutual defense agreement recently signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir stated that participation in such a security arrangement among Islamic nations in the Middle East is not unusual and is being viewed favorably.

“

If there is a security arrangement among Islamic nations in the Middle East, it is not unusual for us to consider participating. It is being viewed ​positively.

The pact, signed in Mecca and modeled on NATO's collective-defense principle, obligates members to consider an armed attack on one as an attack on all. This agreement comes at a time of heightened regional tensions. The three founding members, all Sunni Muslim-majority nations, have indicated the pact is open to expansion. Turkey, possessing NATO's second-largest army, is a key signatory alongside nuclear-armed Pakistan and major oil exporter Saudi Arabia.

“

They are inviting the leadership of Bangladesh, particularly Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, to come and participate.

However, analysts caution that joining this military alliance could significantly test Bangladesh's long-standing foreign policy of avoiding geopolitical rivalries. This policy has been crucial for attracting investment and maintaining economic ties with diverse global powers. Bangladesh's economy heavily relies on garment exports to the West and remittances from millions of workers abroad, primarily in the Middle East. Geopolitical analyst Kollol Kibria noted that while existing relationships wouldn't automatically sever, membership in a military bloc would make it difficult for Bangladesh to avoid aligning with specific sides. The invitation arrives during a sensitive period for Bangladesh's relations with India, despite recent efforts to foster cordial ties.

“

These relationships would not automatically break, but once Bangladesh joins a military ​bloc, the question of which side Bangladesh ​is on becomes much harder to ⁠avoid.