Bangladesh is prepared to consider an invitation to join the Mecca defence pact positively, according to Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman. Speaking to parliament on Thursday, the minister addressed the possibility of the South Asian nation participating in the security agreement, noting that no formal invitation has been extended as of yet.
"Joining the pact or not has not come yet, as it is subject to the intention of the parties involved in the pact. If they invite Bangladesh to join, then we will definitely consider it positively," Rahman stated. He further assured lawmakers that the government would conduct a thorough assessment of the potential benefits before committing to any such alliance.
Rahman characterized the agreement as a self-defence mechanism intended for the Muslim world, describing it as an internal matter for the global Muslim community that should not raise concerns among others. The pact was formally established on August 7 during a trilateral summit at Al Safa Palace in Mecca. The joint defence agreement was signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with the goal of deepening defence cooperation and strengthening collective security.
Separately, opposition leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman also commented on the matter on Thursday. In a statement posted to Facebook, he emphasized that any decision regarding the pact remains the prerogative of Bangladesh. He stated, "If Bangladesh takes a decision in the interests and needs of the country and nation, no one else needs to suffer."
