Green signal at Hormuz
Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, expressed optimism that Bangladeshi vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing Middle East conflict would soon be able to continue their journeys.
Speaking as the chief guest at a mourning rally and anti-war crime exhibition at Dhaka University on Sunday, he provided reassurance that diplomatic efforts are underway to facilitate the safe passage of these ships through the strategically crucial waterway.
The event, titled “Remembering the Martyred Students of the Islamic Republic of Iran: Demanding Trial and Accountability for US-Israeli War Crimes,” was organised by the Revolutionary Students’ Council at Bot Tola on the University of Dhaka campus.
The exhibition and rally commemorated the lives lost in the ongoing conflict, focusing particularly on the victims of US and Israeli military actions in Iran, especially children.
Ambassador Jahanabadi noted that several vessels, including those from Bangladesh, have been delayed due to the tense geopolitical situation in the region.
However, he assured the gathering that Iran is coordinating with Bangladesh’s government to ensure the vessels can safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
He expressed optimism that the vessels would be able to resume their journey once coordination measures are fully implemented.
Reflecting on the broader state of Bangladesh-Iran relations, Jahanabadi reaffirmed the strong and cooperative ties between the two countries, describing Bangladesh as a “brotherly nation” and emphasising that Iran harbors no hostility toward Dhaka.
The ambassador also commented on the broader regional dynamics, including ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, mediated by Pakistan with support from Oman and other regional actors.
Jahanabadi welcomed these mediation efforts, emphasising that Iran remains open to talks conducted with dignity and mutual respect.
However, he cautioned that any violations of ceasefire agreements by the United States would prompt an Iranian response.
“We are willing to engage in dialogue, but it must be based on respect,” Jahanabadi stated. “Iran will uphold the ceasefire, but if the United States breaches it, we will respond accordingly.”
During the event, the symbolic display of coffins representing children who have died in the conflict, along with blood-stained school bags and photographs, left a lasting impact on the attendees.
These displays were part of the exhibition’s attempt to underscore the human toll of the war, particularly on innocent civilians.
Special guest Khomenee Ehsan, convener of the National Revolutionary Council, also condemned the actions of the United States and Israel in the region.
Ehsan specifically criticised the bombing of schools and hospitals in Iran, calling the targeting of children a direct attack on global conscience.
He echoed calls for an immediate end to the violence and urged the international community to hold those responsible for war crimes accountable.
The event featured demonstrations, including an anti-war signature campaign, where students and members of the public voiced their opposition to the conflict.
The signatures collected during the campaign will be submitted to international human rights organizations, organizers said.
As the programme came to a close, prayers were offered for the victims of the ongoing violence, and participants expressed their collective desire for peace, justice, and accountability in the region.
