Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:10am on 31 Aug 2026,Monday International
Bangladesh has said it sees “no risk” in joining the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan on August 7. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman told Parliament that Dhaka would positively consider joining the pact if invited, describing it as an internal matter of “our Muslim family” and saying there was no reason for others to be concerned. Bangladesh also maintained that joining the agreement would not restrict its engagement with other international partners. The development comes ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s expected visit to Riyadh, weeks after the three countries signed the defence pact. Bangladesh’s position could draw attention in India amid concerns over the agreement’s strategic implications. (PC: X)
