Bangladesh Open to Joining Pakistan-Turkey-Saudi Pact
News Desk
Dhaka: Bangladesh is weighing the possibility of joining a proposed regional economic or defence framework involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, signaling growing interest in closer cooperation with the three countries while stopping short of making any formal commitment.
Bangladeshi Prime Minister’s Adviser Humayun Kabir said Dhaka viewed the proposal positively but had not yet taken a final decision on joining the emerging framework.
He said any decision would be guided by Bangladesh’s national interests, changes in the global economy and trade, and developments in the region and wider world.
Kabir said Dhaka was also focused on strengthening practical cooperation with Pakistan and expanding people-to-people contacts between the two countries, suggesting that bilateral ties could play a role in any future regional arrangement.
His remarks come amid growing speculation over the expansion of a new strategic grouping formed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
The three countries signed a joint defence agreement in Mecca on August 7, under which an armed attack against one member would be treated as an attack against all three. The arrangement has been compared with NATO’s collective-defence principle under Article 5.
Bangladesh’s possible participation would potentially broaden the framework beyond its original three members and give it a wider South Asian dimension. However, Dhaka has stressed that discussions remain at an exploratory stage.
Kabir also said Prime Minister Tariq Rahman was expected to visit Saudi Arabia soon, with bilateral, regional and other matters of mutual interest likely to feature in discussions.
The developments have also drawn attention in neighbouring India. Indian officials have reportedly adopted a cautious approach and are monitoring Bangladesh’s possible involvement in the emerging framework.
The potential expansion of the grouping comes as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey seek to strengthen regional cooperation and enhance their strategic coordination.
Foreign Policy in Focus (FPIF) described the Mecca agreement as part of a broader shift in regional power dynamics, arguing that the pact could contribute to a new balance of power and strengthen the role of regional actors.
For Bangladesh, however, the immediate priority appears to be assessing the economic, diplomatic and strategic implications before committing to any new regional arrangement.
