Dhaka rebuts opposition claims on Iran
The government issued a formal clarification following remarks in parliament by opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, who questioned Bangladesh’s stance towards Iran.
In its response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a Facebook post on Friday said the comments did not reflect the full picture of Bangladesh’s engagement with Tehran and risked creating misunderstandings about the country’s diplomatic position.
Referring to the parliamentary session on 30 April, the ministry noted that the opposition leader had asked why “a friendly country would say it did not find Bangladesh by its side in difficult times.”
“The reality is that Bangladesh’s policy in the ongoing Gulf conflict has been appreciated by countries in the region,” the ministry said.
Officials pointed to a recent statement from the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka, which praised Bangladesh for maintaining a “balanced and constructive position” in addressing tensions in the Middle East.
The embassy also voiced concern over what it described as the selective use of excerpts from media interviews, warning that such portrayals could distort bilateral understanding.
The ministry further highlighted an event on 23 April at the Iranian Embassy, where Bangladesh handed over emergency medical assistance for the Iranian people.
At the ceremony, Iran’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, emphasised the “deep and friendly relations” between the two countries and thanked Bangladesh for its “sympathy and sincere support in this difficult time.”
In a detailed statement, the Iranian Embassy reaffirmed the “longstanding, friendly, and brotherly relations” between the two nations, grounded in mutual respect and shared values.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran appreciates the balanced and constructive position of the Government of Bangladesh in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East through dialogue and diplomacy,” the statement said.
It also welcomed a recent meeting between Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Dr Khatibzadeh and Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, describing it as an important step towards expanding bilateral cooperation.
Iran expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s gestures following the reported martyrdom of its Supreme Leader, including a condolence motion in parliament and the signing of a condolence book by a senior foreign ministry official.
It also acknowledged Bangladesh’s decision to send emergency medical assistance through the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.
At the same time, the embassy criticised what it termed “inaccurate and selective representations” in parts of the media.
“Such actions are deemed inconsistent with the friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries,” it said, urging all concerned to “refrain from any actions or statements that may create misperceptions.”
The statement also noted Iran’s efforts to assist Bangladesh, including facilitating the safe evacuation of 186 Bangladeshi nationals via Azerbaijan and ensuring safe passage of Bangladeshi vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
The foreign ministry’s clarification indicates that the issue stems more from differing interpretations of public statements than from any substantive policy disagreement.
By highlighting diplomatic exchanges, humanitarian assistance, and Iran’s own official remarks, Dhaka appears keen to reinforce that its position remains consistent-focused on balance, restraint, and diplomacy.
For now, both sides are signalling that the foundations of their relationship remain intact, despite emerging debate over how that relationship is being portrayed publicly.
