POBNEWS24, Dhaka, Jan 13, 2026 : Bangladesh may join the emerging Pakistan-Turkey-Saudi Arabia defense alliance after the upcoming national elections. Such speculation is gradually gaining strength. The two countries have developed a joint process or mechanism to finalize the draft of the agreement. This process gained momentum after the fall of the Hasina government on August 5, 2024. Recent high-level military contacts between Islamabad and Dhaka and the existing strategic mutual defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have intensified these discussions. A military source confirmed this information and said that in the context of the changes in regional geopolitics after the political upheaval in Bangladesh in 2024, the question arises – will the new government formed in Bangladesh after the elections formalize such a strategic defense relationship and thereby add a new dimension to the security architecture of South Asia?
The basis of this potential alliance was formed through the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement signed in September 2025. The agreement clearly states that any aggression against one country will be considered an attack on both countries. It is a reflection of the collective security policy, like established military alliances. According to analysts, the agreement was born in the context of the ongoing conflict surrounding Israel, uncertainty over security commitments in the Gulf region, and rising regional tensions. Pakistan’s status as a nuclear power and Pakistan’s long-standing military training program for Saudi forces were the mainstays of this cooperation, which has now taken the form of a mandatory framework.
According to recent reports, Turkey is in advanced talks to join the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia alliance. The talks have progressed rapidly until January 2026. Turkey’s defense cooperation with Pakistan includes joint naval construction and modernization of F-16 fighter jets. On the other hand, Turkey’s relations with Saudi Arabia are also improving in both economic and military terms. If Turkey formally joins, the alliance could take the form of a powerful trilateral military bloc. The aim is to counter common threats and enhance mutual military capabilities and coordination in various regions from the Middle East to South Asia.
Bangladesh keen on mutual defense pact with Pakistan
Bangladesh’s military leadership has also shown keen interest in a mutual defense pact with Pakistan along the lines of the Saudi framework. Senior diplomatic sources said the two countries have set up a joint process or mechanism to finalize the draft of the pact. This process gained momentum after the fall of the previous government in August 2024. As a result, diplomatic contacts between the two countries have been revived and defense exchanges have been strengthened. Several top Pakistani military officials have visited Dhaka since late 2024. There, joint training, counter-terrorism and the possibility of purchasing defense equipment were discussed. This warm relationship is reflected in several important visits.
In October 2025, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan visited Dhaka and reached an agreement on regular exchange programs and joint exercises. The issues of intelligence sharing and operational coordination also came up in subsequent discussions. The Bangladesh Air Force chief’s visit to Pakistan in January 2026 saw discussions on the possibility of purchasing the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets jointly developed with China, a clear indication that defence cooperation is taking shape. These moves reflect a policy of strategic diversification under Bangladesh’s interim government, as the country looks beyond traditional dependencies and seeks new partners.
Whether the deal will be formalised or not largely depends on the upcoming February 12 elections. The new government formed through the elections will have the final say on whether to review and approve the draft agreement. While progress is steadily moving forward with the draft, sources say the new government’s priorities will determine the final outcome. The aim of acquiring training and compatible equipment from partners like Pakistan fits well with Bangladesh’s Forces Goal 2030 modernisation programme. It could also create opportunities for joint exercises and technology transfers.
The impact of this initiative is not limited to Bangladesh. The report says that at least eight countries have expressed interest in similar strategic arrangements with Pakistan, indicating Islamabad’s broader defence diplomacy. For Bangladesh, joining the alliance could provide security assurance and help diversify strategic partnerships, especially in the context of strained relations with some of its neighbors. However, due to historical sensitivities, the issue will have to be handled with caution domestically. According to analysts, such an expanded alliance could be an important milestone in the security coordination of Muslim-majority countries and could also affect the balance of power in South Asia. Although it is not yet a formal quadrilateral structure, common interests in counter-terrorism, training, and defense production point to deeper cooperation in the future. As the elections approach, attention is increasingly focused on the direction in which the new government of Bangladesh sets its foreign and security policies.
