Dr Muhammad Shariful Islam, Head of the Department of International Relations at Rajshahi University in Bangladesh, said that his country should not join the Mecca Agreement for the following reasons:

▪️First: Countries usually enter defensive alliances when they face serious external security threats, particularly military ones. Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia joined the alliance because of their own security concerns (Pakistan with India, Afghanistan and Balochistan; Saudi Arabia with Iran and Yemen; and Türkiye in multiple regions). Bangladesh does not face the same level of threats that would justify joining such an alliance.

▪️Second: The collective defence clause means that an attack on one member obliges the other members to defend it. If Pakistan were to go to war with India, Bangladesh could come under pressure to support Pakistan and take a stance against India. Bangladesh’s disputes with India (water, trade and borders) require sustained diplomacy, not military confrontation.

▪️Third: Bangladesh needs effective migration diplomacy. Saudi Arabia is important for Bangladeshi workers, but the UAE, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait are also important. Joining the alliance could complicate relations with other Gulf states that have disagreements with members of the alliance.

▪️Fourth: The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime chokepoint for trade. If tensions with Iran escalate, Iran could restrict the passage of Bangladeshi vessels, threatening Bangladesh’s energy security.

▪️Fifth: Bangladesh’s current socio-economic situation does not allow it to become involved in any war. The focus should be on human security (food, health, the economy and the environment), rather than becoming entangled in military conflicts that could drain resources allocated to development and essential services.