Bangladesh, Aug. 2 -- Bangladesh's decision to participate in a Saudi Arabia-led multinational maritime defence alliance is prompted primarily by economic necessity rather than geopolitical realignment, according to foreign- policy analysts, who say the participation is largely symbolic and aimed at safeguarding critical trade routes through the Red Sea.

The coalition, comprising 14 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, Turkiye, Qatar and Bangladesh, has been formed to strengthen maritime security and protect freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden-- waterways that have become increasingly vulnerable to attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement.Economic development consu...