DHAKA: Bangladesh is keen on joining the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, “taking into account its own interests and the changing dynamics of the global economy and trade,” according to a close aide of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
“Bangladesh maintains a positive approach towards the possibility of joining an economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, taking into account its own interests and the changing dynamics of the global economy and trade,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir told Bangladesh Sangbad Sanstha (BSS), adding another layer to ongoing tension between Dhaka and New Delhi.
Notably, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan earlier this month signed the joint defence pact in Makkah. The three nations have formally committed to treat “an armed attack against any one of the three countries as an attack against them all”.
Kabir stated that Bangladesh Prime Minister’s visit to Riyadh, at the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince, was likely to be finalised soon after the summer. “At the same time, 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 added.
In New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that India was closely following developments in West Asia.
When asked about reports that Bangladesh is keen to join the recently signed Mecca Defence Pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We continue to closely follow developments that are happening in West Asia. This is what I have to say at this point in time”.
During the interview, Kabir also spoke about why Tarique Rahman’s visit to India is not “justified” at this point. Amid various developments, a bilateral visit to India is unlikely, the Foreign Affairs Adviser stated. “There is no justification for rushing into a top-level visit by going beyond the national interest,” he added.
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