, Sept. 1 -- State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Tuesday said Bangladesh is assessing the situation regarding the "Mecca Pact" involving Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan before deciding whether to join the alliance if invited.

"We are assessing the situation regarding participation in the Mecca Pact. Bangladesh's interests will be considered first before joining the alliance," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Bangladesh has not yet received any formal invitation to join the pact.

She said Bangladesh's national interest would be the foremost consideration in taking any decision regarding participation in the pact.

Bangladesh has viewed the pact positively and is interested in the initiative....