Bangladesh hints at joining Pakistan-Saudi-Türkiye defence framework

DHAKA: Bangladesh has signalled that it could consider joining the emerging economic or defence framework involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, opening a potentially significant new chapter in regional diplomacy and security cooperation.

Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir said Dhaka was taking a positive view of the possibility of becoming part of a framework involving the three countries. His comments come only weeks after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

The agreement, signed in Makkah on Aug 7, commits the three countries to strengthening collective security and defence cooperation. It also states that an armed attack against any one of the three signatories would be regarded as an attack against all three.

Kabir, speaking to Bangladesh’s state news agency, indicated that Dhaka would examine the idea through the lens of its own national interests and the rapidly changing global economic and trade environment.

“The government is following a Bangladesh First policy,” Kabir said, according to reports, stressing that national interests remain at the centre of Dhaka’s foreign policy.

The remarks are particularly noteworthy because Bangladesh has recently been working to strengthen practical ties with Pakistan. Kabir said the two countries were seeking greater cooperation in trade and people-to-people contacts, suggesting that economic engagement could form an important part of the relationship.

For Pakistan, Bangladesh’s interest could give the Makkah framework a wider South Asian dimension. For Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, Dhaka’s possible participation could also expand the reach of an arrangement that the signatories have described as defensive rather than directed against any particular country.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the agreement is open to other friendly countries seeking peace, prosperity and stability in the region. Turkish officials have also stressed that the pact does not identify a common enemy and is intended to strengthen defence cooperation and collective deterrence.

Bangladesh’s possible move comes as Dhaka is also deepening its relationship with Saudi Arabia. Kabir said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to visit Saudi Arabia following an invitation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The visit could provide an opportunity for discussions on economic cooperation, regional security and Bangladesh’s possible role in broader regional frameworks.

For now, Dhaka has not announced any formal decision to join the defence agreement. But its positive signal is already attracting attention, particularly because Bangladesh’s participation could reshape the strategic picture across South Asia and the wider Muslim world.

The next step will likely depend on how Dhaka assesses the proposed framework against its national interests, economic priorities and wider foreign-policy objectives.