# Bangladesh May Join Pakistan–Turkey–Saudi Defence Alliance After 2026 Election

> Speculation is growing that Bangladesh may join a defence alliance with Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia after the February 2026 general election. Talks have reportedly intensified following increased military coopera…

Published: 2026-01-13 · Desk: Latest · Source: Times of Islamabad

Speculation is mounting that Bangladesh could join a developing defence alliance involving Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia after the country’s general election scheduled for February 12, 2026.

Diplomatic and security sources say discussions have gained momentum following recent high-level military engagements between Dhaka and Islamabad, as well as a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September 2025. Under that pact, an attack on one country is treated as an attack on the other, reflecting a collective security arrangement.

Analysts note the agreement was shaped by shifting regional dynamics, including instability in the Middle East, uncertainty over Gulf security, and broader geopolitical realignments. Pakistan’s long-standing defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia—covering training and military support—has now been formalised within a binding framework.

Reports suggest Turkey is in advanced talks to join the Pakistan–Saudi pact, potentially forming a trilateral alliance. Turkey already maintains close defence ties with Pakistan through joint naval shipbuilding projects and F-16 upgrades, while its relations with Saudi Arabia have strengthened in both economic and military areas.

Bangladesh has reportedly expressed interest in a similar mutual defence arrangement with Pakistan, modelled on the Saudi agreement. Senior officials say a joint mechanism has been set up to finalise a draft framework. Momentum increased after Bangladesh’s political transition in August 2024, which reopened diplomatic channels and led to more frequent defence exchanges.

Since late 2024, several visits by senior Pakistani military officials to Dhaka have focused on joint training, counterterrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing, and defence procurement. In January 2026, Bangladesh’s Air Force chief held talks in Pakistan on the possible purchase of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, signalling deeper military engagement.

However, officials say any formal commitment would come only after the 2026 election, when a new government would be positioned to review and approve such strategic decisions. Observers add that Bangladesh’s Forces Goal 2030 modernisation plan supports diversifying defence partnerships, particularly in training, interoperability, and technology transfer.

While supporters argue that joining the emerging bloc could strengthen Bangladesh’s security and strategic options, analysts caution that historical sensitivities and domestic political considerations must be carefully managed. If expanded, the alliance could represent a significant shift in defence cooperation among Muslim-majority nations and affect the wider South Asian strategic balance.

Original reporting: https://timesofislamabad.com/12-Jan-2026/bangladesh-poised-to-join-pakistan-turkey-saudi-defence-alliance-post-2026-election?fbclid=IwY2xjawPS7hJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzU2k4ZW1oSzRWRmRDdDQ3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqVB3mKZVa9Tueq-30TNUpIOl9jOmQVcKjX-66HayFGNiMJerD-Uu2ZZRy9R_aem_kygAaWT0TgYs-FAXCZ3tHw
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