Bangladesh signals interest in joining Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Türkiye defence framework

Bangladesh has indicated that it is open to joining the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, as Dhaka

DHAKA: Bangladesh has indicated that it is open to joining the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, as Dhaka looks to broaden its strategic partnerships while maintaining a foreign policy centred on national interests.

According to the state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kobir said the country maintained a positive outlook towards the possibility of becoming part of an economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye.

Kobir said any decision regarding participation would be considered in light of Bangladesh’s national interests as well as changing global economic and trade dynamics. He stressed that Dhaka was pursuing a balanced foreign policy under its “Bangladesh First”approach, with national priorities remaining at the heart of its international engagement.

He said Bangladesh was also working to strengthen its bilateral relationship with Pakistan through normal diplomatic channels. According to Kobir, the two countries were particularly focusing on expanding trade and improving people-to-people contacts and connectivity.

The Bangladeshi adviser’s remarks come amid signs of improving diplomatic engagement between Dhaka and Islamabad. He also said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to Riyadh, following an invitation from Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman was expected to be finalised after the summer.

The possibility of Bangladesh joining the defence framework comes shortly after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in Makkah on August 7.

Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three participating countries is to be treated as an attack against all three. The pact also provides a framework for greater defence cooperation, coordination and collective deterrence among the signatories.

The agreement has attracted regional and international attention because of its potential to expand security cooperation among key Muslim-majority countries. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has described the arrangement as technically comparable to NATO’s Article 5 principle of collective defence, while emphasising that the agreement is not aimed at Iran or any other specific country.

Ankara has also suggested that the framework could potentially be expanded to include additional regional states. Egypt has previously been mentioned as a possible participant in the broader security arrangement.

Pakistan has similarly maintained that the agreement is defensive in character and is not directed against any particular country. Islamabad has also indicated that the framework remains open to states that are willing to support its principles and objectives.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said the agreement does not seek to replace existing bilateral or multilateral defence and security arrangements. Instead, he said, it provides an additional platform for cooperation based on mutual respect, shared interests and peaceful resolution of disputes.

Bangladesh’s latest position suggests that Dhaka is carefully assessing emerging regional partnerships while seeking to preserve strategic flexibility. Its potential participation could further broaden the Makkah agreement’s regional significance and strengthen cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and other interested countries.

For Bangladesh, however, any decision to join would ultimately depend on how the proposed framework aligns with its national interests, foreign policy priorities and assessment of the evolving regional and global security environment.