MidEast War: Iran ensures safe passage for BD vessels

The Iranian Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safe passage of Bangladeshi vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and confirmed that it has facilitated the evacuation of 186 Bangladeshi nationals from Iran via Azerbaijan.

In a press statement, the Embassy urged all concerned parties to refrain from actions or statements that could lead to misunderstandings, emphasising the importance of maintaining mutual respect in the longstanding relations between the two countries. It reiterated Iran’s commitment to further strengthening its friendly and cooperative ties with Bangladesh.

The Embassy also expressed concern over what it described as the selective use of excerpts from recent media interviews on developments in the Middle East, which have been circulated by certain media outlets and social media platforms.

It said such representations were inconsistent with the spirit of bilateral relations and fell short of responsible media practices.

Highlighting the historical relationship between the two nations, the statement noted that ties between Iran and Bangladesh are rooted in mutual respect and shared values. Iran also reaffirmed its adherence to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

The Embassy welcomed the recent meeting between Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Dr Khatibzadeh on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, expressing hope for continued constructive engagement and expanded cooperation across areas of mutual interest.

Iran further commended Bangladesh’s “balanced and constructive” approach in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East through dialogue and diplomacy, describing such efforts as vital for both the region and the wider international community.

The statement conveyed appreciation for Bangladesh’s expressions of condolence following the reported martyrdom of Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, describing the gesture-including a condolence motion adopted at the opening session of the 13th Parliament-as significant and meaningful.

It also acknowledged the presence of a senior Bangladeshi foreign ministry official at the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka to sign the condolence book.

In addition, the Embassy thanked the government of Bangladesh for sending emergency medical assistance to Iran through the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.

While expressing gratitude for the support extended by Bangladesh, Iran also conveyed condolences over the deaths of Bangladeshi nationals in the ongoing conflict, which it attributed to actions by the United States and Israel, and wished a swift recovery to those injured.