The coalition is preparing to integrate personnel from participating countries into command, maritime and intelligence operations
A Saudi Arabia-led maritime defence coalition that includes Bangladesh is moving to activate its multinational command structure as it prepares for joint operations in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways.
The process of integrating military officers and personnel from member countries into the coalition’s command, maritime operations and intelligence activities has already begun, Arab News reports, citing the Saudi Ministry of Defense.
Bangladesh is among the founding members of the Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition (MMDC), which Dhaka says is aimed at countering threats from Yemen’s Houthi rebels and strengthening its strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia.
The latest developments came at the coalition’s third planning meeting at the Western Fleet Command in Jeddah on Thursday, attended by representatives from 39 countries.
Fifteen countries have so far signed the coalition’s joint declaration, according to the Saudi defence ministry.
Of those, 13 have completed the necessary domestic procedures and formally joined the alliance, while other participating countries are still going through their respective national processes.
Saudi Arabia announced the formation of the coalition last month following a meeting of representatives from 43 countries in Riyadh.
Bangladesh was among 14 countries that initially joined as founding members.
Saudi Rear Adm Abdullah bin Salem Al-Shehri was appointed the coalition’s first commander last week, while Pakistan will provide the deputy commander for its first term.
The coalition has also designated its headquarters, approved an official logo and finalised the organisational and planning framework needed to begin operations.
Al-Shehri said the aim was to establish “sustainable maritime defensive participation” and strengthen long-term security and stability through multinational cooperation.
He also said the coalition continued to receive requests from countries seeking to join, reflecting what he described as growing international recognition of the need to address shared maritime threats.
The MMDC will focus on the Red Sea, the Bab El-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden — strategic waterways connecting Asia, the West Asia and Europe.
It aims to protect freedom of navigation, commercial shipping and energy supplies, as well as international trade and global supply chains.
Saudi officials say the coalition is defensive and is not directed against any particular country, organisation or alliance. They say it will operate in accordance with international law and respect state sovereignty and freedom of navigation.
What Will Bangladesh Do?
Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Humaiun Kobir outlined Dhaka’s reasons for joining the coalition on Aug 2, describing relations with Riyadh as increasingly “strategic”.
“Not only from a religious perspective, the relationship between Dhaka and Riyadh will be strategic, and it will be a very strong relationship,” he told reporters.
Asked what Bangladesh would contribute and whether it would send troops, Kobir linked the country’s role to efforts to counter the Houthis.
“This is a coalition to counter Houthi activities. We will provide whatever assistance is required to deal with the Houthis in accordance with the resources Bangladesh has,” he said.
The Saudi defence ministry said the coalition would now focus on achieving operational readiness and carrying out its assigned missions.
