Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman today reassured that there is no reason for other countries or communities to be concerned if the Saudi Arabia-Türkiye-Pakistan ‘Mecca Pact’ is expanded. He described the pact as a mechanism for the self-defence of the global Muslim community and an internal matter among Muslim countries. Dr Khalilur Rahman made these remarks while replying to a supplementary question from independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana in parliament today regarding the possible benefits for Bangladesh if it joins the pact.
The Foreign Minister clarified that Bangladesh’s possible participation in the arrangement is not an issue at this stage, as the matter would depend primarily on the intentions of the countries currently involved in the pact. 'If they express an intention to invite Bangladesh to join this pact, we will certainly have to consider the matter,' he said. He added that it would be premature to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Bangladesh joining the arrangement before any such invitation is made.
Dr Khalilur Rahman stressed that the pact was signed by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan on August 7, 2026, and the initiative was being viewed positively by Bangladesh. However, he emphasized that any decision regarding Bangladesh’s participation would depend on whether the existing members wished to invite Bangladesh to join. He described the pact as an internal matter of the Muslim community and said there should be no cause for concern among others over such an arrangement.
In response to another supplementary question from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, the Foreign Minister also said Bangladesh would use its presidency of the United Nations General Assembly to serve all 193 member states rather than pursue the interests of any particular country. He said the UNGA presidency was a position representing all members of the world body. 'Just as you are the Speaker of all Members of Parliament, I will serve as the President of the General Assembly, which represents all UN member states,' he said.
Dr Khalilur Rahman stressed that there was very little scope for the UNGA President to work for the interests of a particular country. 'I request all of you to take this into consideration. Bangladesh will proudly discharge this responsibility for everyone,' he said. Recalling Bangladesh’s campaign for the UNGA presidency, the Foreign Minister said the achievement was particularly significant because of the short time available for preparation. He credited the Prime Minister’s leadership and collective efforts for Bangladesh’s success and expressed his special gratitude to the Prime Minister.
