Bangladesh open to joining Saudi-Pak-Turkiye defence pact: ministers

Dhaka is considering joining a defense pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye, according to two junior ministers. The agreement, signed in Makkah on August 7, aims to establish collective deterrence and declares an armed attack on any one of the three countries as an attack on all. Bangladesh's state minister for foreign affairs, Humayun Kobir, stated that the country would evaluate any decision based on its national interests.

Kobir emphasized that the government is pursuing a "Bangladesh First" policy and a balanced foreign policy, which includes strengthening bilateral ties with Pakistan through diplomatic engagement, trade, and people-to-people connections. Another state minister, Shama Obaed Islam, echoed Kobir's comments, stating that any decision to join the pact would be determined by Bangladesh's interests and the well-being of its people.