Professor Dilara Chowdhury, a noted political scientist and a former professor at Jahangirnagar University, has emphasised the need for a careful assessment of national interests, potential gains and losses, economic and strategic risks, and the autonomy of the country’s foreign policy before making any decision regarding the ‘Mecca Pact.’

She was speaking at a webinar titled ‘Bangladesh and the Mecca Pact: Prospects, Strategic Choices, and the Future of South Asia,’ organised by the Election Lab of the Department of Political Studies at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Sylhet.

Prof Dilara Chowdhury said that excessive ‘hype’ has been generated in the media concerning the Mecca Pact. She pointed out that Bangladesh has not yet received a formal invitation, nor are the full framework and policy details of the pact known. Therefore, she stressed, it is necessary to analyse the matter more deeply rather than rushing to a final decision.

She emphasised that Bangladesh must remain cautious about joining any military alliance. She warned that over-reliance on any external power could be strategically risky if the country’s own economic foundation and national consensus are not robust. She also highlighted Bangladesh’s long-standing foreign policy tradition of maintaining balanced relations with various nations.

Regarding the steps for potential participation, she noted that a formal invitation must be received first. Subsequently, the issue should be discussed in Parliament, transcending party lines. At the same time, public opinion should be considered, and an assessment should be made regarding the potential benefits for Bangladesh versus the associated costs or risks. It is also crucial to consider whether joining the pact would impose any limitations on Bangladesh’s ability to conduct its foreign policy independently.

Ambassador M Humayun Kabir highlighted the potential strategic significance of the Mecca Pact and its implications for national interest. Dr Md Moniruzzaman analysed the security concerns of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, as well as the regional implications of their potential cooperation.

Prof Md Nazrul Islam, Head of the Department of Political Studies, presided over the event, while Prof  Md Sahabul Haque, Director of the Election Lab, moderated the session. Prof Zayed Sharmin, former Chairperson of the department and Additional Director of the Election Lab, delivered the welcome address.