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🇧🇩 Bangladesh /Conflict & Security

Mixed Reactions to Bangladesh Joining Mecca Pact

From Daily Star · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

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  • Bangladeshi experts cited both strategic opportunities and geopolitical risks in joining the Mecca Joint Defence Pact.
  • Supporters said membership could improve military supply chains, defence-industry development, interoperability, training and intelligence sharing.
  • Critics warned that religious sentiment should not drive policy and questioned the government’s transparency over the pact’s terms.

Bangladesh’s possible entry into the Mecca Joint Defence Pact has divided security and foreign-policy experts, with supporters presenting it as a military opportunity and critics warning of geopolitical risks.

There was some concern in the US about what the pact means for Israel's security

— Jon F. DanilowiczThe former US deputy chief of mission in Dhaka described concerns surrounding the pact’s strategic implications.

The discussion took place at a roundtable in Dhaka organised by Voice for Reform. The pact linking Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey entered into force on August 7. Former US diplomat Jon F. Danilowicz said President Donald Trump’s support reflected a personal position rather than an institutional US policy. He also said Washington had concerns about the pact’s implications for Israel’s security and had given little thought to India’s likely reaction.

Supporters argued that Bangladesh could gain access to supply chains, defence-industry development, military interoperability and joint training. Retired Maj. Gen. Fazle Elahi Akbar also said allied intelligence-sharing could help Bangladesh, while retired Brig. Gen. Hasan Nasir urged the country to make use of Turkey’s advances in military technology.

If we join, obviously we will have scope for supply chains, defence industry development, interoperability, and joint training

— Maj. Gen. (retd) Fazle Elahi AkbarHe outlined the military and industrial benefits he believes Bangladesh could gain from membership.

Other speakers stressed the risks. Jahangirnagar University professor Shahab Enam Khan said Bangladesh would need diplomatic capacity and balance with other Gulf states. Retired Brig. Gen. Shafayat Ahmed warned against allowing religious sentiment to determine policy, pointing to Bangladesh’s geographic position and its more than 4,400-kilometre border with India. He cited Ukraine as an example of how military alliances can contribute to conflict.

The stage our defence is at, I would call it a joke. We might have 10 divisions, but our skies are so open that two enemy aircraft can well rout out the entire army.

— Maj. Gen. (retd) Fazle Elahi AkbarHe criticised Bangladesh’s current defence capabilities while arguing for closer military cooperation.

Former diplomat Sakib Ali attacked what he called the government’s lack of transparency. “The government has already said they are positive about the Mecca pact, which means the decision has been made. We are discussing it after the fact,” he said. The foreign minister has not disclosed the pact’s conditions, according to the discussion.

The government has already said they are positive about the Mecca pact, which means the decision has been made. We are discussing it after the fact.

— Sakib AliThe former diplomat criticised the government’s handling of public discussion about the pact.
About this summary

Originally published by Daily Star in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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