DHAKA/ISLAMABAD — Just weeks after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye sealed Makkah defence pact, Bangladesh signalled that it could be open to joining similar economic or defence framework that could reshape alliances across South Asia and the Muslim world.
Himayun Kabir, a close aide to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and adviser on foreign affairs, said Dhaka viewed the possibility of joining an economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye positively. However, Bangladesh has stopped short of announcing formal membership.
Kabir said Dhaka would assess any such move according to its national interests and the changing global economic and trade environment, keeping the door open for a potential future decision.
Makkah agreement sparked regional security cooperation. Under the pact, Islamabad, Riyadh and Ankara agreed that an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be considered an attack against all three, creating a collective-deterrence principle reminiscent of other major defence arrangements.
The agreement aims to strengthen mutual defence, security coordination and joint military capabilities. Saudi officials have nevertheless stressed that the arrangement is not directed against any particular country and should not be viewed as an attempt to establish a sectarian or hostile military bloc.
Dhaka’s carefully worded response has attracted particular attention. Bangladesh has not signed the Makkah agreement, nor has it formally requested membership. Instead, its leadership has indicated that participation in a wider economic or defence framework could be considered positively.
For now, Bangladesh’s position amounts to a potential pathway towards closer cooperation rather than confirmed membership. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is also expected to visit Saudi Arabia, with the trip potentially providing an opportunity for further discussions on bilateral relations and the evolving regional cooperation framework.
Bangladesh’s potential involvement could expand strategic reach of any framework linking Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. Pakistan and Bangladesh have recently witnessed renewed diplomatic and defence engagement, while Dhaka already enjoys established military ties with Ankara.
Dhaka previously acquired defence equipment from Türkiye, while both countries have explored opportunities for cooperation in the defence industry. The addition of Bangladesh could therefore bring together countries spanning South Asia, the Middle East and the wider Muslim world, potentially giving the emerging framework a much broader economic and strategic dimension.
Which Countries Could Follow?
Makkah agreement has already triggered debate over whether the three-country arrangement could eventually expand. Analysts have discussed the possibility of additional countries joining a wider framework covering defence, security and economic cooperation.
Bangladesh’s latest statement could therefore become one of the first major indications that interest in expanding the framework is gaining momentum.
The development is also attracting attention in New Delhi. India said it is monitoring Bangladesh’s possible closer engagement with the Makkah defence framework, adding another layer of regional significance to Dhaka’s latest position.
If Bangladesh eventually decides to formally join, the move could reshape diplomatic calculations across South Asia and the Gulf, while strengthening defence and economic links between Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh.
