Bangladesh has formally expressed its deep concern regarding escalating maritime safety risks in the Middle East during the 36th Extraordinary Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.

At the high-level meeting in London, Dhaka called for urgent diplomatic intervention to ensure the security of global shipping routes and the welfare of seafarers.

The IMO convened the extraordinary session specifically to address the volatile situation in the Middle East and its deteriorating impact on international maritime security.

The Bangladesh delegation was led by Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Nazrul Islam.

During the proceedings, Dr. Nazrul Islam highlighted the vulnerability of seafarers, specifically noting the risks faced by Bangladeshi nationals serving on vessels currently navigating the conflict zones.

Bangladesh reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the principle of "uninterrupted and lawful navigation" as mandated by international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

"Bangladesh urges all concerned parties to engage meaningfully to resolve the ongoing crisis through constructive dialogue," the delegation stated, emphasizing that diplomatic efforts are the only viable path to restoring stability to global trade routes.

The session concluded with several member states echoing Bangladesh’s call for a unified international approach to prevent further disruptions to the maritime supply chain, which has already seen significant volatility in recent weeks.