Staff Reporter:
Bangladesh is assessing the situation surrounding the proposed Mecca Pact before deciding whether to join the alliance, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said yesterday.
“We are assessing the situation regarding participation in the Mecca Pact. Bangladesh’s interests will be considered first before joining the alliance,” Shama told journalists at the Foreign Ministry.
She said Bangladesh’s national interest would be the foremost consideration in taking any decision regarding participation in the proposed grouping.
She, however, said Dhaka has not yet received any formal invitation to join the proposed pact.
Her remarks came amid discussions over the proposed grouping involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye and Bangladesh’s possible participation in it.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir had earlier said Bangladesh viewed the proposed pact positively and was interested in the initiative.
On Sunday, Kobir said Bangladesh sees no risk in joining the Mecca Defence Pact and it would not restrict Bangladesh’s engagement with other partners.
“This is a unique pact that, presenting new opportunities,” he told reporters at the foreign ministry after Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah called on him.
He had also said “Mecca is in the heart of Bangladesh,” while explaining Dhaka’s positive attitude towards the initiative.
The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement or the “Mecca Pact” was officially signed on August 7, 2026 with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey being its partners so far.
