Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has urged Iran to ensure safe passage for Bangladesh‑flagged vessel Banglar Joyjatra through the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions in the Gulf region escalate.
The request was made during a meeting with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye, according to an official release on Monday.
“We were very thankful when Iran included Bangladesh among the six countries whose vessels would be permitted to cross Hormuz,” Khalilur said.
Khatibzadeh responded immediately, assuring that despite the tense situation, directives had already been issued to the relevant authorities in Iran.
Both sides agreed to maintain communication on the matter. They also exchanged views on the evolving Gulf situation and other matters of mutual interest, the release added.
Khalilur reiterated Bangladesh’s consistent and balanced position, stressing restraint by all parties and resolution of differences through dialogue and diplomacy.
The Iranian deputy foreign minister welcomed Bangladesh’s constructive stance and expressed hope that Khalilur will visit Tehran at a mutually convenient time.
Earlier, on 5 April, the foreign minister met Iranian Ambassador Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi in Dhaka and sought facilitation of safe passage for Banglar Joyjatra and another Bangladesh‑bound vessel carrying crude oil. The envoy said Iranian authorities were being approached at appropriate levels.
He praised Bangladesh’s balanced stance on the crisis and thanked the government for adopting a condolence motion in parliament following the death of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
He also expressed gratitude for Dhaka’s gesture in sending emergency medical supplies to Iran through the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. He had written to his Iranian counterpart, thanking Tehran for enabling the safe passage of 186 Bangladeshis from Iran to Azerbaijan.
