Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Bangladesh Weighs Joining Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan Defence Pact

August 25, 2026 0 Abu Ramadan

Kano Wedding Turns Tragic as Man Allegedly Opens Fire Over Loud Music A 34-year-old man, identified as Rabiu Mukthar, has allegedly opened fire at a wedding ceremony in Kano State, killing one person and injuring three others. The incident reportedly occurred in Tudun Yola Quarters after Mukthar became upset by loud music being played at the wedding. The spokesperson for the Kano State Police Command, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the incident. He said the suspect allegedly came out of his residence and fired a pump-action gun sporadically at people attending the wedding. Police officers responded after receiving information about the attack and arrested Mukthar along with another suspect. The firearm allegedly used in the incident was also recovered. According to the police spokesperson, Mukthar told investigators that the organisers had not consulted him before holding the musical event. He reportedly claimed that the noise disturbed his sleep, prompting him to open fire at the gathering. The two suspects are currently being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Kano State Police Command as investigations continue.

Bangladesh is considering whether to join a new mutual defence agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan in Mecca, a move that could affect its relations with neighbouring India and other major countries.

Bangladesh’s junior foreign minister, Humayun Kabir, said the invitation to join the pact was being viewed positively. A Bangladesh Foreign Ministry source also confirmed that Saudi Arabia had invited Dhaka to participate.

The agreement, signed earlier this month in Mecca, is based on the principle of collective defence. Under the pact, an armed attack against one member would be treated as an attack against all members.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are the current members, while Turkey has indicated that the alliance could be expanded to include other countries.

Foreign Policy Concerns

Analysts say joining the military alliance could challenge Bangladesh’s long-standing policy of maintaining balanced relations with competing global powers.

Bangladesh depends heavily on international trade, particularly garment exports to Britain, the European Union and the United States. Remittances from Bangladeshi workers in the Middle East are also an important source of foreign currency.

Experts warn that joining a military bloc could affect Bangladesh’s relationships with countries including India, China, Iran, Japan, Russia, the United States and several Gulf states.

Possible Impact on India Relations

Bangladesh’s relationship with India is already facing difficulties. Dhaka is seeking the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh in 2024.

Analysts believe India would likely be uncomfortable with Bangladesh joining a defence alliance that includes Pakistan, given the longstanding rivalry between India and Pakistan.

However, Bangladeshi analysts say Dhaka will have to consider its wider economic and strategic interests before making a final decision.

The debate over the Mecca pact therefore represents a major test of Bangladesh’s traditionally balanced foreign policy.