Bangladesh could join Mecca pact, official suggests
Bangladesh could join Mecca pact, official suggests Submitted by MEE staff on Tue, 08/25/2026 - 17:03 According to Reuters, the consideration follows an invitation from Saudi Arabia The military gathers as part of preparations for the election, at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 5 February 2026 (AFP) Off Bangladesh may be joining the defence agreement signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia…
Bangladesh is contemplating joining the defense pact signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, known as the Mecca pact, according to a statement by Bangladeshi State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir. The country was invited to participate, though the source of the invitation has not been disclosed. If Bangladesh were to join, it would align with a collective defense agreement similar to NATO's, wherein an armed attack against any member is considered an attack against all.
This could be a significant shift for Bangladesh, known for maintaining neutrality in major geopolitical disputes, as it is bordered by nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan. However, Bangladesh's decision would also be influenced by its ongoing extradition proceedings against former leader Sheikh Hasina, currently residing in India after mass protests ousted the government in 2024.
Analysts believe that the Mecca pact, primarily involving Sunni-majority countries, may be aimed at countering Iran's influence in the region. While Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan have emphasized the defensive nature of the pact, many see it as a strategic move against Iran, despite the three countries' varied historical relations with Tehran.
Written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
