Security experts advised Bangladesh to assess national interests, sovereignty, military capacity and regional diplomatic calculations before deciding on possible membership in the Mecca Defence Pact. The advice came at a discussion organised by Voice for Reform at the BDBL Building in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka, on Monday, August 31. Speakers said membership could create opportunities for stronger defence capabilities, military training, intelligence sharing and procurement of defence equipment.

Retired Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar said the arrangement could strengthen equipment supply systems, military industrial capacity and interoperability with member states. He also warned that India could reassess Bangladesh in its military planning and said the future US position was uncertain. Political scientist Dilara Chowdhury described the pact as defensive rather than directed against India, but said Bangladesh should first learn its provisions and see which countries participate.

Former diplomat Sakib Ali called for a proper cost-benefit analysis and greater public information, warning against a rushed decision. Other speakers urged broad consultations involving parliament, political parties and experts to build national consensus. Professor Shahab Enam Khan said the pact’s Article 5 framework would not necessarily require automatic military action after an attack on a member, stressing sovereignty and independent military capability.