A round table conference on the “Significance of Makkah Defence Alliance & Options for Bangladesh”
In a round table conference on the “Significance of Makkah Defence Alliance & Options for Bangladesh” the speakers stated, The concept of the Makkah Alliance has emerged in the light of the changing global geopolitical and military situation, specially in Middle East. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries felt that US failure to protect them has created a power vacuum. They need to build their own security structure. The Alliance as yet has not drawn up a charter and organizational structure.
They said,Over the time all these will be developed and ultimately it has great potential for expansion, although a spokesperson of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that no new members will be admitted now. It may be just a pause to develop internal, organizational and military planning structure.
Consensus opinion of the conference was that Bangladesh government should take initiative regarding this alliance and try to become deeply engaged as opportunity arises. As for now effort should be taken to become an observer member of the alliance.
Distinguished political, military, civil service, academic, diplomatic, legal and media personalities took part in the round table. Notable participants included former Secretary M. Mokammel Haque, former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury, Professor Shahiduzzaman, Professor Shahab Enam Khan, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Mohd Aminul Karim and Ambassador Mahbub Uz Zaman, among others. Students from various universities also attended. A panel of Civil Military Society Member from Pakistan also participated online.
The event was chaired by CSDS Chairman, former Ambassador Major General (Retd.) Amsa Amin. He highlighted that we suffer from lack of strategic and geo-political balance, despite the strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal. Joining the Alliance may help Bangladesh to develop a credible deterrent power to bridge this gap. In addition, military technology, defence industry, energy supply and economic benefit may also be derived.
