Dhaka urges Tehran to clear Banglar Joyjatra’s transit through Strait of Hormuz

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has requested Iran’s assistance to ensure the safe passage of Bangladesh-flagged vessel Banglar Joyjatra through the Strait of Hormuz, during a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye, where the two sides discussed the evolving situation in the Gulf region and other issues of mutual interest.

During the talks, Khalilur reiterated Bangladesh’s consistent and balanced position on the ongoing developments, stressing the importance of restraint by all parties and the resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

Responding to the request, the Iranian deputy foreign minister said necessary directives had been issued to the relevant authorities, although the situation in the region remains tense. Both sides are continuing communication on the matter.

“We were very thankful when Iran included Bangladesh among the six countries whose vessels would be permitted to cross Hormuz,” the foreign minister said.

Khatibzadeh appreciated Bangladesh’s constructive stance and expressed hope that Khalilur would visit Tehran at a mutually convenient time.

Earlier, on 5 April in Dhaka, Khalilur held a meeting with Iran’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, where he also sought facilitation for the safe passage of Banglar Joyjatra and another Bangladesh-bound vessel carrying crude oil.

The ambassador conveyed that the matter was being taken up with the relevant Iranian authorities.

During that meeting, the ambassador appreciated Bangladesh’s balanced position on the crisis and thanked the government for adopting a condolence motion in parliament following the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khameini.

He also expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s gesture of sending a senior official to sign the condolence book at the Iranian embassy and for facilitating the dispatch of emergency medical supplies to Iran through the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.

The foreign minister, in turn, noted that he had written to his Iranian counterpart to thank Tehran for supporting the safe passage of 186 Bangladeshis from Iran to Azerbaijan.