Bangladesh Seeks Iran’s Support for Safe Passage of Vessel Through Strait of Hormuz

The request was made by Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman during a meeting with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya, according to a statement released in Dhaka on Monday.

During the meeting, Rahman thanked Iran for including Bangladesh among six countries permitted to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz.

In response, Khatibzadeh said immediate steps had been taken and relevant authorities were instructed to ensure safe navigation despite the tense situation.

Both sides agreed to remain in contact on the matter. They also exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Gulf region and other issues of mutual interest.

Rahman reiterated Bangladesh’s balanced stance on the ongoing crisis, urging all parties to exercise restraint and resolve differences through dialogue and diplomatic means.

Khatibzadeh praised Bangladesh’s constructive position and expressed hope that the Bangladeshi foreign minister would visit Tehran at a mutually convenient time.

Earlier, on April 5, Rahman had made a similar request during a meeting in Dhaka with Iran’s ambassador Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, seeking safe passage for Bangladeshi vessels, including those carrying crude oil.

The ambassador had then assured that the matter was being communicated to relevant Iranian authorities and also appreciated Bangladesh’s balanced stance in the ongoing crisis.

He further thanked the Bangladesh government for adopting a parliamentary condolence motion following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and expressed gratitude for sending emergency medical supplies to Iran through the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.

Rahman also noted that he had sent a letter of thanks to Iran’s foreign minister for ensuring the safe return of 186 Bangladeshi nationals to Azerbaijan from Iran.