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Bangladesh has indicated it is open to joining a wider economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, according to reports citing senior officials in Dhaka. Bangladesh has not joined the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed by the three countries on August 7, but officials have said any decision would be based on national interests. The development comes as Dhaka’s ties with Islamabad deepen and relations with New Delhi remain sensitive.

'Dhaka Keeps Options Open'

According to reports citing Bangladesh’s state-run BSS (Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha), Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir said Dhaka had a “positive approach” towards the possibility of joining an economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, while taking into account Bangladesh’s interests and changing global economic and trade dynamics.

Another Bangladeshi minister has also indicated that any decision would depend on whether such an arrangement serves the interests of Bangladesh and its people, reports said. This means Dhaka has not taken a decision to join the pact.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement in Mecca on August 7. The agreement says an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all three, while also providing for closer defence cooperation.

The pact is sometimes described in media reports as an “Islamic NATO”, although that is not its official designation. Reuters reported that the agreement also envisages joint military exercises, cooperation in areas including unmanned systems and electronic warfare, and greater defence-industry cooperation.

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Why India Is Watching

Bangladesh’s possible participation is significant for India primarily because of geography. Bangladesh shares a long land border with India, while Pakistan is already a major factor in Indian security planning.

Recent reports have also pointed to growing defence engagement between Bangladesh and Pakistan, including discussions over possible JF-17 fighter aircraft purchases and wider military cooperation.

At the same time, India-Bangladesh relations remain complicated by disagreements over border management, migration and political issues.

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