Bangladesh’s decision to join a Saudi Arabia-led maritime security coalition underscores Dhaka’s commitment to protecting global sea lanes while carefully balancing relations with competing regional powers, analysts say.

The government recently joined the coalition alongside 13 other countries to help safeguard maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf region -- waterways that have become increasingly vulnerable following Houthi attacks on commercial shipping amid the US-Israel war on Iran and its retaliation on US interests in the Gulf countries.

The disruption has affected one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors linking Asia and Europe, increasing shipping costs and threatening global supply chains.

For Bangladesh, whose economy depends heavily on maritime trade for exports, imports and energy supplies, secure sea lanes are a strategic necessity.

The rise in energy prices since the war began has greatly affected Bangladesh’s economy.

The alliance launched on July 30 aims to ensure the safe and unrestricted movement of all types of vessels through the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden.

Among the six Gulf Arab states, Oman and the UAE have not yet signed the statement.

Washington, a key Saudi ally, has yet to confirm it will join the coalition, although it is expected to do so.

Analysts say the move is consistent with Bangladesh’s longstanding support for freedom of navigation, but cautioned that Dhaka carefully manages its ties with Iran, with which it has maintained traditionally friendly relations.

Bangladesh’s participation should be viewed primarily through the lens of national interest rather than regional politics, though Bangladesh maintains strong relations with the Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia, where nearly seven million Bangladeshis work, said Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, a retired air commodore.

“Iran may see the alliance negatively, but we don’t have much choice. Our economy depends on free navigation. Ensuring safe sea lanes is in Bangladesh’s own national interest.”

He recalled that Iran had previously prevented a Bangladesh-flagged vessel from navigating through its waters, demonstrating how maritime disruptions can directly affect Bangladesh.

“There is considerable public sympathy for Iran in Bangladesh following the recent US-Israeli attacks. But foreign policy cannot be driven by public emotion alone. Bangladesh must act according to its national interest and geopolitical realities,” he added.

The Houthis are attacking from Yemen, with which Bangladesh does not have much of a relationship, said M Humayun Kabir, a former ambassador.

He described Bangladesh’s membership in the alliance as “largely normative and symbolic” rather than an indication of a major military commitment.

“I do not think Bangladesh is currently in a position to deploy naval assets if the coalition requires operational participation. But extending moral and political support for the principle of freedom of navigation is important.”

Bangladesh has previously joined Saudi-led security initiatives without assuming an active military role, he said.

In December 2015, Bangladesh became a member of the Saudi-led Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), although Dhaka never deployed a full-fledged delegation to the coalition’s headquarters in Riyadh.

He believes the current maritime coalition is likely to follow a similar pattern.

“Iran may not welcome Bangladesh’s decision, but protecting maritime commerce serves Bangladesh’s economy and national interest.”

Bangladesh has earned global credibility through nearly four decades of participation in UN peacekeeping operations, said Shafqat Munir, senior fellow at the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies.

“We can play an important role in safeguarding maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf region through this coalition.”

However, he cautioned that Dhaka should fully understand the alliance’s operational framework before making deeper commitments.

“Before we fully commit ourselves, we need clarity on the command structure, Bangladesh’s expected role and other operational modalities.”

The Middle East is currently highly fractured, and Bangladesh has to ensure that its relations with all key actors are properly safeguarded, Munir added.