Mecca Pact and Bangladesh: Why Dhaka is keeping the door open to 'Islamic Nato'

In August, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye introduced the Islamic Nato, informally dubbed the "Makkah Pact". The pact is based on the principle that an armed attack on one member is considered an attack on all three, similar to NATO's Article 5. Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has not commented publicly on joining the pact, but his foreign minister and junior ministers have indicated interest.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman invited Rahman to visit the Kingdom, which may attract attention to Dhaka's potential involvement. Bangladesh's interest in the pact could be driven by a desire for a broader strategic reach, access to military and economic partnerships, and leveraging the agreement's appeal. However, concerns about Bangladesh's lack of immediate external threats and the pact's collective security principle have been raised.

Bangladesh's foreign affairs minister framed the agreement as an internal matter for the Muslim world, allowing Dhaka to appeal to its shared religious identity.