Bangladesh has expressed its openness to joining the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement. The MJDA was signed earlier this month between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. Dhaka aims to expand its strategic partnership while keeping national interest central to its foreign policy. This news was originally reported by Bangladesh’s state-run media Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).
Bangladesh has indicated it may join an economic or defence framework involving Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir said Bangladesh would consider its national interests, the global economy and changing trade dynamics. #SamaaTV pic.twitter.com/NoRBrAXd2L
— SAMAA TV (@SAMAATV) August 22, 2026
Bangladesh looks at the possibility of joining an economic or defense framework positively in the backdrop of changing dynamics of the global economy, trade, and security. Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kobir further noted that the state is actively pursuing a “Bangladesh First” approach. Kobir further stated that,
“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.”
Adviser for Foreign Affairs also informed that the visit of Bangladesh’s PM to Riyadh at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince is to be finalized soon after the summer.
The Makkah Joint Defense Agreement was signed on August 07, 2026. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has described this framework as technically similar to that of NATO’s Article 5. Thus, this mutual-defense agreement is not against any specific country. Ankara also signaled that this framework could be expanded to include more regional countries.
Similarly, Pakistan has maintained that this agreement is defensive in nature, and is open to countries committed to cooperation, mutual respect and peaceful resolution of differences.
