Dhaka, Aug 27 (V7N)– Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman today said there is no reason for other countries or communities to be concerned if the Saudi Arabia-Türkiye-Pakistan 'Mecca Pact' is expanded, describing it as a mechanism for the self-defence of the global Muslim community and an internal matter among Muslim countries .
"There is no reason for others to have any concern over it," he said while replying to a supplementary question from independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana in parliament today regarding the possible benefits for Bangladesh if it joins the pact .
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh's possible participation in the arrangement is not an issue at this stage, as the matter would depend primarily on the intentions of the countries currently involved in the pact .
"If they express an intention to invite Bangladesh to join this pact, we will certainly have to consider the matter," he said .
He added that it would be premature to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Bangladesh joining the arrangement before any such invitation is made . "We will certainly keep all these matters under consideration," the minister said .
The Foreign Minister said the pact was signed by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan on August 7, 2026, while the three countries' initiative was being viewed positively by Bangladesh . However, he stressed that any decision regarding Bangladesh's participation would depend on whether the existing members wished to invite Bangladesh to join .
Replying to another supplementary question from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, the Foreign Minister also said Bangladesh would use its presidency of the United Nations General Assembly to serve all 193 member states rather than pursue the interests of any particular country .
He said the UNGA presidency was a position representing all members of the world body. "After winning the election, I said I would work as the President of all countries," he said .
Citing an example with the Speaker's role in parliament, he said, "Just as you are the Speaker of all Members of Parliament, I will serve as the President of the General Assembly, which represents all UN member states" .
Recalling Bangladesh's campaign for the UNGA presidency, the Foreign Minister said the achievement was particularly significant because of the short time available for preparation. He said when the Prime Minister nominated him for the position, only five countries had entered the contest. He said Bangladesh's Asian competitor had around 10 years to prepare for the contest, while he had only about 10 weeks . "I told the Prime Minister that you have sent me on an impossible mission," he recalled .
Dr Khalilur Rahman was elected as President of the 81st UNGA session on June 2, 2026, securing 99 votes against 91 for Cyprus's Andreas S. Kakouris. He will formally assume the role in September 2026 .
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