Bangladesh, Aug. 28 -- angladesh's positive stance toward the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement has triggered debate at home and abroad, amid speculation that Dhaka could eventually seek to join the pact. The possibility will depend largely on the intentions of the three founding members - Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan - and whether they move to expand the agreement beyond its current membership.
Any move by Bangladesh to join the pact, if invited, however, could have significant implications for its foreign relations, particularly its already strained ties with neighbouring India. Relations between Dhaka and New Delhi have deteriorated since Bangladesh accused Indian border forces of forcibly pushing people into the country. The two sides...