Shama warns over threats to Makkah, Madinah

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has warned that Bangladesh will not remain silent if the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah face any threat, reaffirming Dhaka’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia amid escalating regional tensions.

She made the remarks while responding to journalists after a seminar at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in Dhaka on Monday (October 12).

Shama said Makkah and Madinah were symbols of unity for Muslims worldwide and held deep religious and emotional significance for millions of people, making their security an issue beyond conventional diplomacy.

Asked whether Bangladesh would join the proposed Makkah Pact and deploy troops if Saudi Arabia requested military assistance, she said Bangladesh had not yet formally joined the alliance. Therefore, the question of sending troops did not arise at this stage.

The state minister said Bangladesh stood beside Saudi Arabia during the current crisis and called for an immediate halt to attacks and violence. She also said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had sent a special letter to the Saudi Crown Prince conveying Bangladesh’s support for the kingdom.

On concerns over possible disruptions to Bangladesh’s fuel supply following reported attacks on Saudi oil facilities, Shama said the government did not anticipate any major disruption at present. She added that the state minister for power, energy and mineral resources was visiting Saudi Arabia and maintaining regular contact with relevant officials.

Shama also expressed deep sorrow over the reported deaths of two Bangladeshis and injuries to more than 24 others in a missile attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Saturday. She said several injured Bangladeshis were receiving treatment in intensive care units.