CSDS holds roundtable discussion
An independent think tank Center for Strategic and Development Studies, CSDS organized a round table discussion on the Significance of Makkah Defence Alliance & Options for Bangladesh on Saturday, 12 September, at a hotel in the capital. Distinguished political, military, civilian, legal, journalistic, academic, and diplomatic figures took part in the round table discussion.
The speakers stated, The concept of the Makkah Alliance has emerged in light of the changing global geopolitical and military situation.
The Makkah Alliance appears to have been created on the initiative of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, arising from the imbalance of power and the deficit of trust caused by the US-Israel-Iran war in the Middle East.
The Makkah Alliance is a new regional defence bloc. It has only just begun, and no specific charter has yet been drawn up regarding its organisational structure or activities. As a result, it remains unclear how strong this alliance will ultimately become.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that no new members will be admitted to the alliance for the time being, as time is needed to develop internal, organizational, and military planning.
This has raised doubts among many as to whether the alliance will endure, since similar alliances have existed in the past that are no longer functional. They stated, The Bangladesh government needs to take initiative regarding this alliance and become deeply engaged with it.
If needed, Bangladesh should become an observer member of the alliance. Since it represents a new initiative within the Muslim world, Bangladesh should work to build a promising future for itself as a defence and deterrent power through it. Notable participants included former Secretary M. Mokammel Haque, former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury,
Professor Dr. Shahiduzzaman, Professor Dr. Shahab Enam Khan, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Mohd Aminul Karim, and Ambassador Mahbub Uz Zaman, among others. Students from various universities also attended. The event was chaired by CSDS Chairman, former Ambassador Major General (Retd.) Amsa Amin.
