Bangladesh Mecca Pact: What could it mean for India?
News Desk
Dhaka: Bangladesh has indicated that it may consider joining the Mecca Defence Pact if its existing members extend an invitation, reflecting Dhaka’s growing interest in broadening its security and strategic cooperation with Muslim-majority countries.
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman told parliament on Thursday that Bangladesh views the pact favourably. He clarified, however, that Dhaka has not formally sought membership and that any expansion would depend on the decision of the current member states.
Responding to a question from Independent MP Romain Farhana, Rahman said Bangladesh would give serious and positive consideration to any invitation to become part of the agreement.
The development comes after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey announced a defence agreement on August 7. Under a key provision of the pact, an attack against one member is to be regarded as an attack against all members.
Bangladesh’s possible entry into the arrangement has attracted interest in India, given the country’s close geographical ties with New Delhi and Pakistan’s longstanding strategic competition with India.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal previously said New Delhi was monitoring developments when asked about Bangladesh’s reported interest in the agreement.
Rahman described the pact as an issue concerning Muslim countries and said its expansion could potentially pave the way for a broader collective security and defence framework among Muslim nations.
Jamaat-e-Islami leader and Bangladesh opposition chief Shafiqur Rahman also said the decision to join would be a sovereign matter for Dhaka and should be determined by the country’s national interests.
He maintained that Bangladesh should assess the potential agreement based on the requirements of the country and its people, rather than being influenced by concerns from other states.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Ubaid had earlier said that Dhaka was examining the possibility of joining the pact and evaluating the potential benefits of membership.
The National Citizens Party has likewise welcomed the prospect, saying participation could strengthen Bangladesh’s cooperation with key Muslim countries in areas including defence, security, technology, trade and strategic affairs.
Although Dhaka has yet to announce any decision to join the Mecca Defence Pact, its recent statements indicate that Bangladesh is keeping the possibility open and exploring stronger strategic ties within the Muslim world.
