Defence Pact

JEDDAH : Bangladesh has said it is open to the possibility of joining the new defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye, but any decision will be based on the country's national interests. The comments came from two junior ministers for foreign affairs, who said Bangladesh's foreign policy would continue to follow a “Bangladesh First” approach. The defence pact was signed in Makkah on August 7 by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye. Under the agreement, an armed attack on any one of the three countries would be treated as an attack on all three. National Interest State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kobir said Bangladesh has a positive view of the possibility of joining an economic or defence framework involving the three countries. “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,” Kobir said. He added that the government is following a “Bangladesh First” policy, with national interests at the centre of its foreign policy. Kobir also said Bangladesh plans to strengthen ties with Pakistan through normal diplomatic relations, particularly in areas such as trade and people-to-people connections. Bangladesh's Interests Another State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, said Bangladesh would carefully consider its interests before joining any international agreement or group. “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,” she said. Her comments make clear that Bangladesh has not yet decided to formally join the Saudi Arabia-Pakistan-Türkiye defence framework. What Is the ‘Bangladesh First’ Policy? The ministers' comments came shortly after Finance and Planning Adviser Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir described the “Bangladesh First” policy as a “paradigm shift” in the country's foreign policy. Titumir said the approach would put national interest, sovereignty, mutual respect and regional cooperation at the centre of Bangladesh's relations with other countries. “The Bangladesh First policy means putting Bangladesh’s interests first, but Bangladesh for all,” Titumir said. Possible Saudi Arabia Visit Kobir also said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to visit Riyadh at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The schedule is expected to be finalised after the summer. Bangladesh has expressed interest in the new defence framework but has stopped short of confirming that it will join. Any future decision is expected to be based on Bangladesh's strategic priorities and the interests of its people.

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