Bangladesh sees no risk in the newly established “Mecca Pact,” describing it as a unique initiative that presents fresh opportunities for strategic and security cooperation, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has said.
Addressing reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kobir dismissed concerns over potential risks associated with the agreement, emphasising that Dhaka will maintain balanced relationships with its international partners.
“What is the point of worrying about dying before you even live? I mean, if we start worrying about risks before even initiating the process, that becomes a problem,” Kobir said, advising that Bangladesh must approach foreign policy and security cooperation in a highly integrated and flexible manner aligned with the dynamics of the current global political system.
A continuation of foreign policy strategy
The state minister, speaking on his first working day in this post, noted that his new role is a continuation of his work as the prime minister’s adviser on foreign affairs.
He added that a strategic framework for Bangladesh’s foreign policy has been established over the past six months and that the government is ready to “hit the ball… ground running” with its external engagements based on that foundation.
Kobir clarified that entering a specific security sphere does not restrict a country’s scope or prevent it from contributing to other alliances. He highlighted Bangladesh’s extensive experience as a leading contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations, noting that this expertise provides a robust basis for promoting peace and stability in the Muslim world.
“Maintaining peace is not a new concept for Bangladesh; we have extensive experience and expertise in this area, and we are recognised globally for it,” Kobir said, adding that it is natural to assist with challenges facing the Muslim brotherhood, particularly when it involves Saudi Arabia, the Custodians of the Two Holy Mosques.
The tripartite mutual defence framework
The “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement” was signed earlier this month in the holy city of Mecca by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The pact establishes a mutual defence framework among three major Sunni Muslim-majority states: oil-rich Saudi Arabia, nuclear-armed Pakistan, and Türkiye, which has NATO’s second-largest army and a rapidly growing defence industry.
Under the pact, which is intended to strengthen collective deterrence amidst regional uncertainty linked to the war in Iran, an armed attack against any one of the three states will be treated as an attack against them all.
On 24 August, State Minister Kobir confirmed that Bangladesh views the tripartite defence pact positively, noting that it would not be unusual for Dhaka to participate in such an initiative among Islamic nations.
He remarked that Mecca has always held a special place in the hearts of the Bangladeshi people and that Middle Eastern stakeholders have actively shown interest in engaging with Dhaka, extending invitations to the country’s leadership, particularly Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Sovereignty, family affairs, and regional reaction
However, the prospect of Bangladesh joining the pact has drawn reactions from neighbouring India. Randhir Jaiswal, Spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, stated in New Delhi that India is closely monitoring developments as the pact has security implications for India.
Addressing Parliament last Thursday, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman pushed back against external concerns, describing the agreement as “an internal matter of our family, the Muslim family” and stating there is no scope for other nations to be concerned.
The foreign minister noted that while possible participation is not an issue at this stage, Bangladesh would positively consider joining the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement if its existing members extended an invitation.
He added that discussing the specific advantages and disadvantages would be premature before a formal invitation is extended, but assured that the government will keep all aspects under consideration.
Supporting this stance, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman asserted that deciding to join the pact is an entirely sovereign and internal matter for Bangladesh.
“If Bangladesh takes any decision considering the needs and interests of the country and its people, there is no reason for anyone else to feel disturbed or distressed by it,” the opposition leader said.
Deepening diplomatic ties with Riyadh
Bilateral discussions regarding the pact are currently ongoing and progressing positively with all partners, including initial talks held with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on the sidelines of an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting.
The state minister confirmed that the media will be informed once a formal invitation is extended.
Meanwhile, broader bilateral relations between Dhaka and Riyadh continue to strengthen, with the government reiterating its “Bangladesh First” policy based on sovereign equality, national dignity, and mutual benefit.
Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah recently called on State Minister Kobir to express satisfaction over steady bilateral cooperation.
The Ambassador also met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Secretariat to hand over an invitation letter from Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
The invitation, which expresses Saudi Arabia’s keenness to enhance bilateral ties, invites the Prime Minister to visit the Kingdom to discuss mutual interests and regional issues, with the official visit expected to be finalised soon after the summer.
