Bangladesh has expressed a positive view of the Mecca Joint Defense Treaty involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, but has not decided whether to join. Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman told parliament that Bangladesh would positively consider membership if the current members extend an invitation. The agreement, signed by the three leaders in Mecca, has drawn attention for its military dimension and has been described by some as a “Muslim NATO.”

Analyst Hasib Aziz said membership could expand Bangladesh’s joint military capabilities through cooperation with Turkey and Pakistan, including technology, AI partnerships and intelligence sharing. He said existing imports from Turkey, including Bayraktar drones and Otokar Cobra vehicles, could be broadened. Saudi Arabia’s development cooperation, remittance links and an existing naval defense arrangement with Bangladesh could also support stronger supply routes across the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

Risks include a collective-defense principle that could draw Bangladesh into conflict if another member is attacked, Aziz said. Concerns also surround India-Pakistan tensions because Pakistan is a member. Professor Lailufar Yasmin said Bangladesh should weigh trade and investment priorities, noting that it has never joined a military alliance since independence and that any first such move requires national discussion.