Dhaka, Sept 2 (V7N) – Bangladesh today renewed its call for de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution to the Middle East conflict, stating that the safety and wellbeing of approximately eight million Bangladeshis living and working across the region remain a paramount concern .
“We have reiterated our call for de-escalation. This has always been our consistent diplomatic position—to seek de-escalation of the conflict,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir told journalists at the Foreign Ministry following a courtesy call by Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi .
Kobir said Bangladesh had urged all sides involved in the conflict to engage in dialogue and seek a permanent and peaceful solution through diplomatic means. “As you know, we have a large diaspora in the Middle East—approximately eight million people of Bangladeshi origin working throughout the region. Their well-being and safety are of paramount importance to us,” he said .
The state minister said Bangladesh and Iran share a long-standing historical relationship, with strong bilateral ties and people-to-people contacts dating back to the early years of Bangladesh's independence . He thanked Tehran for its recent assistance in safely evacuating Bangladeshi citizens stranded in the Iranian capital amid regional tensions .
Kobir also discussed Bangladesh's involvement in security cooperation in the Middle East, including its longstanding maritime cooperation aimed at helping Saudi Arabia address security challenges posed by the Houthis. He made it clear that Bangladesh’s involvement should not be interpreted as participation in any hostile action against Iran .
“Our role is strictly limited to supporting Saudi Arabia in addressing the security challenges posed by the Houthis,” he said, adding that Iran clearly understood Dhaka's position .
Responding to questions about disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Kobir said keeping the strategic waterway open depended on multiple actors and could not be viewed as the responsibility of any single party . He noted that vessels from many countries, not only Bangladesh, had been affected by the disruption.
Dhaka specifically requested Tehran to facilitate and give priority to the movement of Bangladeshi shipments and stranded cargo containers as soon as navigation through the strait resumes. “Given our historical relationship with Iran, we expect they will view our request positively and favorably,” he said .
The Middle East conflict has disrupted regional trade, with reports indicating that roughly 550 ships have been waiting to cross the strait, and a Bangladesh-flagged vessel with 31 crew members was stranded in the Gulf for nearly four months . The disruption has also affected supply chains and energy costs, with Bangladesh's heavy dependence on imported fuel from the region leaving the economy vulnerable .
A Foreign Ministry press release said Kobir expressed Bangladesh's hope for an early easing of regional tensions and stressed the importance of lasting peace and stability for the wellbeing of people in the region and beyond .
end/aj/rh/
