Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam announced that Bangladesh is carefully assessing the potential implications of joining the “Mecca Pact,” an alliance involving Saudi Arabia, Trkiye, and Pakistan, before making any commitments to participate. “We are assessing the situation regarding participation in the Mecca Pact. Bangladesh’s interests will be considered first before joining the alliance,” she said at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Bangladesh has not yet received a formal invitation to join the pact. The State Minister emphasized that any decision regarding participation would prioritize national interests. Bangladesh has shown a positive outlook towards the pact and expressed interest in the initiative.
International relations expert Prof Shahab Enam Khan suggested that Bangladesh could gain from joining the ‘Mecca Pact’ if it undertakes effective diplomatic preparation and reaches a political consensus. Prof Khan, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Center for Indo-Pacific Affairs, highlighted the need for a thorough assessment of the regional, diplomatic, and strategic implications of joining the pact. He shared his insights during a city discussion on Monday, noting, “…if we do it with effective diplomatic preparation, with political consensus, it would definitely be good for Bangladesh.”
At a roundtable titled ‘Joining the Mecca Pact: Sustaining Bangladesh’s Options,’ Prof Khan also pointed out the security challenges Bangladesh faces in the Bay of Bengal and the broader region, including instability in neighboring countries and the situation in Myanmar. “I think it is good that we are having discussions about this and if Bangladesh can join the Mecca Pact, it would be good,” he added.
On Sunday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir expressed confidence that joining the Mecca Defence Pact poses no risk to Bangladesh and would not hinder its engagements with other partners. “This is a unique pact, presenting new opportunities,” he stated after a meeting with Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah. Kobir also remarked on the significance of Mecca to Bangladesh, underscoring the country’s positive stance on the initiative.
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, also known as the ‘Mecca Pact,’ was officially signed on August 7, 2026, with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Trkiye as its current partners.