The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Friday said Bangladesh’s “balanced and constructive policy” concerning the ongoing conflict in West Asia has received widespread appreciation across the region.
The statement followed comments made by the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Shafiqur Rahman, during a Jatiya Sangsad session on Thursday. Shafiqur had questioned why a friendly nation appeared to imply that Bangladesh had failed to offer support during a time of crisis.
In response, MoFA highlighted that regional countries have recognised Dhaka’s diplomatic stance positively.
The ministry specifically referenced recent communications from the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka, which praised Bangladesh’s approach. The embassy also voiced concerns regarding “selective and fragmented reporting” of its views by certain media outlets, describing such actions as inconsistent with the “friendly and brotherly relations” between the two nations.
During an April 23 ceremony for the handover of emergency medical aid from Bangladesh to Iran, Ambassador Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi emphasised the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries.
He expressed gratitude for the “compassion and sincere support” provided to the Iranian people during this challenging period.
The embassy also welcomed an April 21 meeting between Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Dr Khatibzadeh, held on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
Iranian officials underscored the importance of broadening bilateral relations and praised Bangladesh’s commitment to Middle East peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
According to the statement, Tehran extended particular thanks for the messages of condolence following the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei.
The embassy noted the “notable and exceptional gesture” of the 13th Parliament in adopting a condolence motion at its opening session, as well as the presence of a senior MoFA official at the embassy to sign the condolence book.
The Iranian government further appreciated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s decision to dispatch emergency medical supplies via the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.
While acknowledging this support, Iran expressed condolences for Bangladeshi nationals killed in the conflict – which it attributed to “unlawful aggression” by the United States and the Zionist regime – and wished the injured a quick recovery.
In terms of regional security, Iran pledged to continue ensuring the safe passage of Bangladeshi ships through the Strait of Hormuz. It has already facilitated the evacuation of 186 Bangladeshi nationals from Iran via Azerbaijan.
Reaffirming its commitment to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, the Iranian Embassy called on all parties to avoid statements that might lead to misperceptions, urging a spirit of mutual respect to maintain the enduring bond between the two “brotherly nations.”
