‘We We are also talking to Iran, so there is no reason to see this as excluding or hurting Iran in any way,” he told reporters at the Foreign Ministry. Asked about the context behind Bangladesh joining the Saudi-led alliance, Kabir said the move reflected Dhaka’s special relationship with Riyadh, which he said went beyond religious ties related to Hajj and Umrah’
Diplomatic Correspondent : Bangladesh has officially joined a Saudi-led 14-nation maritime defense alliance. This strategic move aims to counter security threats from Houthi rebels in the Red Sea and protect vital global trade routes. Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir on Sunday said the country’s decision to join a Saudi-led defense alliance was aimed at addressing the Houthi challenge and was not directed against Iran.
“We are also talking to Iran, so there is no reason to see this as excluding or hurting Iran in any way,” he told reporters at the Foreign Ministry. Asked about the context behind Bangladesh joining the Saudi-led alliance, Kabir said the move reflected Dhaka’s special relationship with Riyadh, which he said went beyond religious ties related to Hajj and Umrah.
“The relationship between Dhaka and Riyadh will be a strategic relationship. It will be a very strong relationship,” he said.Kabir said Saudi Arabia’s role as custodian of the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina created a special bond with Bangladesh, adding that Dhaka would respond positively to any request for security cooperation based on its moral and strategic ties.
He said the alliance was primarily aimed at addressing security challenges posed by the Houthis, while Bangladesh would continue maintaining dialogue with Iran. There is no reason to see this as something to exclude or hurt Iran in any way, he said.
