Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman said that if the “Mecca Pact,” signed between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, is expanded, there will be no reason for any other country or community to be concerned, also describing it as a mechanism for the self-defence of the global Muslim community and an internal matter of Muslim countries.

He made the remarks on Thursday in response to a supplementary question from independent member of parliament Rumeen Farhana, who represents the Brahmanbaria-2 constituency. Farhana asked about the potential benefits for Bangladesh if the country joins the pact.

In response, the foreign minister said that Bangladesh’s joining the pact is not currently under discussion. This is because the matter will primarily depend on the interests and decisions of the countries currently party to the agreement. He said, “If they invite Bangladesh to join the pact, we’ll certainly have to consider the matter.” Dr Khalilur said it would be premature to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of joining before Bangladesh receives an invitation, adding that the government would keep all these issues under consideration.

The foreign minister said Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan signed the “Mecca Pact” on August 7, 2026. From Bangladesh’s perspective, the initiative by the three countries is viewed positively. But any decision for Bangladesh to participate in the arrangement will depend on whether the current member states invite Bangladesh to join. He also said, “If the pact is expanded, its objective should be regarded as a mechanism for mutual self-defence among Muslim countries. Describing it as an internal matter of the Muslim community, the minister said there was no reason for others to be concerned about such an arrangement.