Mecca Pact: Choosing death before survival is a flawed strategy
Junior foreign affairs minister Humayun Kabir. Agamir Somoy.
Speaking on the potential pros and cons of Bangladesh's participation in the Mecca Defense Pact, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir said, "If you worry about dying before surviving, is there any gain? That represents the risk here. Thinking about dying before living is a problem."
He made these comments on Sunday during a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In response to a query about whether Bangladesh has been formally invited to join, the State Minister said, "When a formal invitation is extended, we will certainly inform you. We are currently holding discussions on this matter, and those talks with all bilateral partners are progressing positively."
Humayun Kabir highlighted that Bangladesh is a major contributor to international peacekeeping under the UN framework. Maintaining peace is not a new concept for Bangladesh, as the country possesses extensive experience and expertise that are globally recognized. He pointed out that since Bangladesh fulfills this role worldwide, there is no reason not to do so for fellow Muslim nations—especially when it involves countries like Saudi Arabia, the custodian of the two holy mosques.
He added that approaching the situation with a positive mindset to assist the Muslim world in addressing certain challenges is not a bad step at all. Consequently, Bangladesh views this initiative constructively, and discussions have advanced smoothly. He emphasized that Bangladesh remains extremely open to seeing how the situation unfolds as engagement deepens.
When asked about his discussions with Saudi and Turkish ministers on the sidelines of the OIC summit, the State Minister described them as "very positive." He reiterated that there is high demand for Bangladesh's expertise, as the nation is a seasoned veteran in peace operations and provides one of the largest contingents to the UN peacekeeping system.
He emphasized that Bangladesh stands at the forefront of global ground security, bringing a distinct dimension to peace efforts through its proven track record and specialized capabilities.
Addressing concerns that joining the Makkah Pact might complicate participation in other alliances, the State Minister clarified that the proposed pact is unique and creates new opportunities. In today's volatile international political landscape, entering a specific alliance does not restrict a country from contributing to other platforms.
He said that a country like Bangladesh must navigate its foreign policy and security cooperation with flexibility and integration, aligned with evolving global dynamics. Maintaining balanced international relations remains a priority, and Bangladesh will consistently stand wherever peace and stability are the primary goals.
Meanwhile, responding to a journalist's question regarding dual citizenship, Humayun Kabir simply stated, "I am a Bangladeshi."
