Friday, 11 September 2026

Saudi Arabia

Houthis take control of Bab al-Mandab, raising global energy market concerns

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have taken full control of Yemen’s strategically vital Bab al-Mandab Strait and Perim Island in the Red Sea after Saudi-backed government forces withdrew, AFP reported, citing local government officials and eyewitnesses. Houthi fighters are now positioned along the strait’s

Yemen’s New Proxy War: Iran Behind Houthis, US Aiding Saudi Coalition

Houthi forces have captured the strategic Red Sea port city of Mocha in south-western Yemen, strengthening their position near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as sources allege Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) directed the group’s recent advance. The United States is providing intelligence a

First Pakistani to head 'Makkah Defense Alliance', HQ in Riyadh

Turkey has said the first secretary-general of the proposed Makkah Defence Alliance will be appointed from Pakistan, while the alliance’s permanent secretariat will be based in Riyadh, the Saudi capital. The information was reported by Indian media outlet The Print. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan F

Dhaka sees no risk in joining Mecca Pact: Humaiun Kobir

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir today said Bangladesh sees no risk in joining the Mecca Defence Pact and it would not restrict Bangladesh’s engagement with other partners. “This is a unique pact that, presenting new opportunities,” he told reporters at the foreign ministry after Sau

India closely monitoring Bangladesh developments including Mecca Pact

India is closely monitoring all developments in Bangladesh, particularly those related to India’s security, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in New Delhi on Friday amid discussion over Bangladesh potentially joining the Mecca Defence Pact. A journalist raised the issue

Bangladesh considering joining Mecca Defense Pact: Shama Obaid

Bangladesh is considering to join the Mecca Defense Pact, a defence alliance involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, State Minister for Foreign Affairs (2) Shama Obaid Islam has said. The government will assess the pact’s potential benefits for the country’s interests, economy and people before

Bangladesh views Mecca Defence Pact positively: Humaiun Kobir

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir today said Bangladesh views positively the "Mecca Defence Pact" involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, noting that Dhaka's participation in such an initiative among Islamic nations would not be unusual. "We have expressed interest in the Mecca D

Mohammed bin Salman invites Tarique Rahman to visit Saudi Arabia

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Saudi Arabia. Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer H. Bin Abiyah handed over the invitation letter to the Prime Minister today during a meeting with him at t

Saudi Arabia Factory Fire Kills 16 Bangladeshis in Riyadh

At least 16 Bangladeshi nationals were killed in a fire at a sofa factory in Riyadh’s Musa Industrial Area on Sunday afternoon, according to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. The ministry said 10 of the victims were from Naogaon district.

US-Bangla Group aims to build a complete aviation ecosystem

US-Bangla Airlines has announced a major investment in Bangladesh’s private aviation sector, unveiling plans to add 21 new Boeing aircraft to its fleet at a cost of nearly $1.5 billion by 2027. The airline also outlined a broader plan to transform US-Bangla into a full global aviation group by expan

Houthis claim attack on 2 Saudi oil tankers

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis have claimed an attack on two Saudi oil tankers transiting through the Red Sea. “We targeted two Saudi oil tankers, named Encelia and Layla, for their violation of the blockade decision issued by the armed forces,” Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said on Wednes

US-Bangla Proposes Tk 98,000 Airfare for Hajj Pilgrims

US-Bangla Airlines has proposed carrying Bangladesh’s 2027 Hajj pilgrims at a net fare of Tk 98,000 per person, subject to government approval, in a move that could significantly reduce pilgrimage costs compared with the Tk 154,830 airfare charged per passenger for the 2026 Hajj. US-Bangla Airlines

Saudi invites PM to visit Kingdom, Dhaka reciprocates

Saudi Arabia has invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit the Kingdom, with the invitation formally conveyed by the Saudi ambassador during a meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat here today. The invitation was extended through a letter from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, whi