Dhaka: Bangladesh can benefit from joining the 'Mecca Pact' if it proceeds with effective diplomatic preparation and political consensus, said international relations expert Prof Shahab Enam Khan, stressing that Bangladesh needs to carefully assess the regional, diplomatic and strategic implications of joining the pact.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Prof Khan, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Center for Indo-Pacific Affairs, highlighted the potential benefits during a discussion in the city. Speaking at a roundtable titled 'Joining the Mecca Pact: Sustaining Bangladesh's Options,' he pointed out that Bangladesh faces its own security challenges in the Bay of Bengal and the wider region, including instability in neighboring countries and the situation in Myanmar.
Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman reiterated that the "Mecca Pact" is an internal matter of the world Muslim family and assured there is no reason for concern. 'This is not a matter of threatening. This is not a matter of attacking anyone. This is a matter of self-defense of our world Muslim family,' he stated.
Prof Khan, from the Department of International Relations at Jahangirnagar University, noted the limitations of regional organizations like BIMSTEC and SAARC in providing effective collective security. He suggested that Bangladesh could enhance its collective security and assist neighboring countries.
He also emphasized the importance of assessing military interoperability and how cooperation among Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia might evolve. Discussions on joint air-defense and avionics capabilities could lead to broader military technology cooperation.
Bangladesh's diverse defense procurement positions the country favorably, according to Prof Khan. 'Bangladesh has diversified its defense system,' he said, citing Turkish, Chinese, Russian, and ongoing US discussions.
The biggest challenge for Bangladesh, he noted, would be managing relations with different Gulf countries, as Dhaka's ties extend beyond Saudi Arabia to Qatar, the UAE, and others.
Prof Khan also highlighted the importance of evolving geopolitical equations involving Israel and other countries like Egypt and Syria considering joining the pact.
Fahim Mashrur, co-coordinator of Voice for Reform, moderated the discussion, emphasizing the role of civil society in national security debates. The roundtable, chaired by political scientist Dr Dilara Chowdhury, included panelists from diverse backgrounds, enhancing the depth of the discussion.