Bangladesh has been invited to join the Makkah Defence Pact formed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan. Dhaka has not accepted yet, but the BNP government says it is considering the invitation positively.

For Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, this may look like a foreign policy choice, but it could become a question of political survival. As an Indigenous Bangladeshi who supports Israel, I may not welcome this direction, yet domestic politics may leave the BNP government little room to say no.

The Political Cost of Saying ‘No’

Bangladesh is overwhelmingly Muslim, and Saudi Arabia has a special place in the hearts of millions because Makkah and Madinah are Islam’s two holiest cities. A defence pact involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan can therefore carry political and emotional meaning beyond its military terms.

Public attitudes also matter. Pew found in 2026 that 54 percent of Bangladeshis viewed Pakistan favorably, while 51 percent viewed India unfavorably. Favorable views of India have also fallen sharply since 2024.

Most voters will never study the pact’s military clauses. Many may see one simple picture: Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are together. Will Muslim-majority Bangladesh join them, or stay outside?

If the BNP says no, its opponents will have an easy message: “Why did the BNP refuse? Is the government pro-India, or is it afraid of India?” That question could be more powerful on the streets than a long diplomatic explanation.

The BNP should remember the political lesson of Sheikh Hasina. Her government fell for many reasons, but for years opponents also........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)