ISLAMABAD: Speculation is mounting over Bangladesh’s potential integrationinto a burgeoning defence alliance involving Pakistan, Turkey and SaudiArabia, following the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 12,2026. Recent high-level military engagements between Islamabad and Dhaka,coupled with the existing Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement betweenPakistan and Saudi Arabia, have fueled discussions about expanding thispact. The possibility gains traction amid shifting regional dynamics afterthe political transition in Bangladesh in 2024, raising questions aboutwhether the post-election government will formalize such strategic ties andreshape South Asian security architecture.
The foundation of this potential alliance traces back to the StrategicMutual Defence Agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia inSeptember 2025. This pact explicitly states that any aggression against onenation would be considered an attack on both, mirroring collective securityprinciples seen in established alliances. Analysts note that the agreementemerged against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions, includingconflicts involving Israel and uncertainties in Gulf security commitments.Pakistan’s role as a nuclear-armed state with extensive military trainingprograms for Saudi forces has long underpinned this cooperation, nowformalized into a binding framework.
Recent reports indicate that Turkey is in advanced talks to join thePakistan-Saudi arrangement, with discussions progressing rapidly as ofJanuary 2026. Turkish defence collaboration with Pakistan includes jointnaval shipbuilding and upgrades to F-16 aircraft, while improving ties withSaudi Arabia focus on economic and military domains. If Turkey accedes, thebloc could evolve into a formidable trilateral entity, emphasizing sharedinterests in countering common threats and enhancing interoperabilityacross diverse theatres from the Middle East to South Asia.
Bangladesh’s military establishment has shown keen interest in a comparablemutual defence pact with Pakistan, modeled closely on the Saudi framework.Senior diplomatic sources highlight that both countries have established ajoint mechanism to finalize the draft agreement’s contents. This momentumaccelerated following the collapse of the previous regime in August 2024,paving the way for restored diplomatic channels and intensified defenceexchanges. Multiple high-level visits by Pakistani military leaders toDhaka since late 2024 have focused on joint training, counter-terrorism andpotential procurement of defence equipment.
Key engagements underscore this warming trend. In October 2025, Pakistan’sChairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee visited Dhaka to agree on regularexchange programs and exercises. Subsequent interactions includeddiscussions on intelligence sharing and operational coordination. TheBangladesh Air Force chief’s visit to Pakistan in January 2026 involvedtalks on acquiring JF-17 Thunder aircraft, jointly developed with China,signaling practical steps toward deeper integration. These developmentsreflect Bangladesh’s strategic diversification under its interimadministration, moving beyond traditional dependencies.
The timing of any formalization appears linked to the February 2026elections, which will install a new government to review and endorse theproposed pact. Progress on the draft has been steady, but sources emphasizethat the incoming administration’s priorities will determine the outcome.Bangladesh’s Forces Goal 2030 modernization program aligns with seekingexpertise from partners like Pakistan, particularly in training andequipment compatibility. This could include joint exercises and technologytransfers, enhancing Dhaka’s capabilities amid evolving regional challenges.
Broader implications extend to at least eight countries expressing interestin similar strategic arrangements with Pakistan, highlighting Islamabad’sexpanding defence diplomacy. For Bangladesh, alignment with this emergingbloc could provide security assurances and diversify partnerships,especially given strained ties with neighbors. However, the move carriessensitivities rooted in historical contexts, requiring careful navigationto avoid domestic political friction.
Observers point out that such an expanded alliance would mark a significantdevelopment in Muslim-majority nations’ security coordination, potentiallyinfluencing South Asian balance. While not yet formalized into aquadrilateral structure, the converging interests in counter-terrorism,training and defence production suggest a trajectory toward greatercollaboration. The post-election period will prove decisive in determiningwhether Bangladesh formally joins this framework.
The evolving scenario reflects a recalibration of alliances in response toglobal uncertainties, where mutual defence pacts offer deterrence andstrategic depth. As elections approach, stakeholders watch closely forindications of the new government’s foreign policy direction.
Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1966014
Tags: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Strategic Mutual DefenceAgreement
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