Dhaka, August 22, 2026: Bangladesh has signalled that it is open to joining the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, as Dhaka seeks to broaden its strategic partnerships while keeping national interests at the centre of its foreign policy, according to state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).
Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kobir said Dhaka maintained a positive approach towards the possibility of joining an economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye, while taking into account its own interests and changing global economic and trade dynamics.
“Bangladesh maintains a positive approach towards the possibility of joining an economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye, taking into account its own interests and the changing dynamics of the global economy and trade,” Kobir said.
He said Bangladesh was pursuing a balanced foreign policy under its “Bangladesh First” approach, with national interests remaining the central consideration in its international engagement.
Kobir also said Dhaka was strengthening its bilateral relationship with Pakistan as part of normal diplomatic engagement, particularly in the areas of trade and people-to-people connectivity.
“Bangladesh is strengthening its working bilateral relationship with Pakistan as part of normal diplomatic engagement, with a focus on trade and bilateral people-to-people connectivity,” he said.
The remarks come just over two weeks after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in Makkah on August 7.
Under the landmark agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three signatories is to be regarded as an attack against all three. The pact also provides for broader defence cooperation and enhanced collective deterrence among the participating countries.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has described the arrangement as technically similar to NATO’s Article 5 mutual-defence provision, while stressing that it is not directed against Iran or any other country.
Ankara has also indicated that the framework could potentially be expanded to include other regional countries. Egypt has previously been identified as a possible participant.
Pakistan has likewise maintained that the agreement is defensive in nature and remains open to countries willing to uphold its principles.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said the pact does not replace existing bilateral or multilateral arrangements and is open to countries committed to cooperation, mutual respect and the peaceful resolution of differences.
Kobir’s remarks also point to a broader effort by Dhaka to strengthen engagement with Pakistan following years of strained relations.
He said Bangladesh’s relationship with Pakistan was being developed through normal diplomatic channels, with particular emphasis on expanding trade and strengthening links between the peoples of the two countries.
Kobir also said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to Riyadh, at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, was likely to be finalised soon after the summer.
Bangladesh’s openness to the Makkah framework could potentially provide a new dimension to its growing engagement with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, while allowing Dhaka to pursue expanded economic and security partnerships without abandoning its stated policy of placing national interests first.
