Foreign minister tells parliament Dhaka views the Saudi-Türkiye-Pakistan agreement as a Muslim-world self-defence mechanism.
Bangladesh has signalled it would positively consider joining the newly formed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement if formally invited by its founding members, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman told parliament on Thursday.
Responding to a question in the National Assembly, Rahman said the issue of membership had not yet arisen because it depends on the intentions of the existing parties. “If they invite Bangladesh to join, then we will definitely consider it positively,” he stated, adding that Dhaka would carefully assess the potential benefits before taking any decision.
The foreign minister described the pact as “the Muslim world’s self-defence mechanism” and “our family’s, the Muslim family’s, internal matter,” stressing that outsiders had no reason for concern.
Background to the agreement:
Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on 7 August 2026 during a trilateral summit in the holy city of Makkah. The signatories-Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-pledged to strengthen collective security and treat an armed attack on one member as an attack on all.
The agreement aims to deepen defence cooperation and promote regional stability. Türkiye has indicated the framework is open to expansion.
Bangladesh Open to Joining Pakistan-Saudi-Türkiye Defence Pact:
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir had previously expressed interest in the pact. “If there is one agreement in West Asia, if there is a security agreement between Islamic countries, then it is not unusual to go there. Let’s see. The matter is being viewed positively,” Kabir said earlier this week.
Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman also backed Bangladesh’s sovereign right to decide, saying any decision taken in the national interest should not concern others.
Bangladesh has traditionally maintained a non-aligned foreign policy focused on economic development and balanced relations. Analysts note that closer defence cooperation with the three countries could offer opportunities for technology transfer, joint exercises and diversified security partnerships. At the same time, any formal commitment to collective defence would require careful evaluation of regional implications and national priorities.
Rahman emphasised that no formal invitation has been received and that any future decision would prioritise Bangladesh’s interests. The government’s statements leave the door open while underscoring that membership remains contingent on an invitation from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan.