Dhaka, Bangladesh – Bangladesh is receptive to the idea of joining a recently established defence alliance among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye, according to statements made by two junior ministers. The government emphasized that any such decision would be primarily driven by the nation’s overarching national interests.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the pact, formalized in Makkah on August 7, establishes a framework for collective deterrence. A key stipulation of this agreement is that an armed attack against any one of the three signatory nations will be considered an attack against all.
Humayun Kobir, the newly appointed state minister for foreign affairs, stated, “Bangladesh maintains a positive approach towards the possibility of joining an economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye, taking into account its own interests and the changing dynamics of the global economy and trade.” He further elaborated in an interview with the state-run BSS Bangla service on Friday that the government is actively pursuing a “Bangladesh First” policy. This approach, he explained, prioritizes national interests and could lead Dhaka to consider joining the defence pact. Kobir also noted that Bangladesh aims to strengthen bilateral ties with Pakistan through standard diplomatic engagement, with a focus on enhancing trade and people-to-people connectivity.
Kobir, who assumed the role of the second state minister for foreign affairs on Friday, indicated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is anticipated to visit Riyadh at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The schedule for this visit is expected to be finalized following the summer season.
In a separate media interaction on Friday, another state minister for foreign affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, echoed Kobir’s sentiments. She affirmed that Bangladesh’s national interest and the welfare of its citizens would be the paramount considerations in determining the country’s stance on joining the pact. Responding to inquiries about potential membership in the trilateral framework, Islam stated, “Whether we join any pact or any multilateral body will be decided primarily on whether Bangladesh’s interests and the interests of the Bangladeshi people are protected.”
These remarks from the junior ministers follow statements made two days prior by Rahman’s finance and planning advisor, Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir. Titumir had described the “Bangladesh First” policy as a “paradigm shift” in the nation’s foreign policy orientation. He explained that this policy places national interest, sovereignty, mutual respect, and regional harmony at the core of Bangladesh’s international engagements, while fostering constructive and mutually beneficial relationships with all nations.
Titumir articulated the essence of the policy, stating, “The Bangladesh First policy means putting Bangladesh’s interests first, but Bangladesh for all.” This approach underscores a strategic recalibration of Bangladesh’s foreign policy, aiming to maximize national benefit and security through carefully considered international partnerships.
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The Chenab Times News Desk