Bangladesh Eyes Makkah Defense Pact as Dhaka Finalizes Fighter Jet Deal
Bangladesh has expressed interest in joining a newly signed joint defense pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey. Meanwhile, the country is drafting an agreement to acquire twenty fourth-generation fighter jets from China.
In major international and national news developments covered across various newspapers and reviews on Wednesday, diplomatic and defense updates have taken center stage in Dhaka, Makkah, Ukhia, and China. According to official reports, a significant joint defense pact was recently signed in Makkah involving key regional leaders, drawing keen interest from the Bangladeshi government as part of its broader foreign policy and security strategy.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir announced that Bangladesh has formally expressed its interest in the newly established Makkah defense agreement. This high-level pact was signed on August 7 in Makkah by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, marking a notable strategic alignment among the participating nations.
In addition to diplomatic defense engagements, Bangladesh is actively expanding its military aviation capabilities. Reports confirmed that the country has prepared a draft agreement to purchase 20 fourth-generation J-10CE fighter jets from China. This major upcoming acquisition highlights Dhaka's ongoing efforts to modernize the inventory and operational readiness of the Bangladesh Air Force.
Domestically, the nation observed significant commemorative and protest events across different regions. Local residents and activists organized protest programs to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2006 Phulbaria tragedy, remembering the long-standing grievances and events associated with the historic date. This grassroots mobilization brought renewed attention to the local struggles from two decades ago.
Furthermore, in the southern region of Cox's Bazar, specifically in Ukhia, displaced communities marked a somber milestone. Rohingyas gathered for a large-scale rally to observe the ninth anniversary of their mass arrival and shelter-seeking in Bangladesh. Participants at the gathering prominently displayed the slogan 'Nine years gon, ten minutes for Rohingya,' drawing widespread attention from media outlets such as BBC Bangla, Manab Zamin, Kaler Kantho, New Age, Ajker Patrika, Samakal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United Council of Rohingya (UCR), and the Bangladesh Air Force.
