Bangladesh has officially requested the Iranian government to facilitate the safe passage of the Bangladesh-flagged vessel, ‘Banglar Joyjatra’, through the volatile Strait of Hormuz.

The request was made by Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman during a recent meeting with the Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran, Saeed Khatibzadeh, held on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye.

During the exchange, Dr. Khalilur expressed gratitude for Iran's support, stating, "We were very thankful when Iran included Bangladesh among the six countries whose vessels would be permitted to cross Hormuz."

In a follow-up on Sunday night, Deputy Foreign Minister Khatibzadeh informed Dr. Khalilur that while the regional situation remains tense, necessary directives have already been issued to the relevant Iranian authorities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Monday that both leaders intend to maintain close communication as the situation evolves.

While currently visiting Brussels, Belgium, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur reiterated Bangladesh’s "consistent and balanced position" on the ongoing developments in the Gulf region.

He underscored the critical importance of restraint by all parties and emphasized the resolution of differences through "dialogue and diplomacy."

The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister appreciated this constructive stance and extended an invitation for the Bangladesh Foreign Minister to visit Tehran.

This high-level engagement follows a prior meeting on April 5 in Dhaka, where Dr. Khalilur met with the Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi.

During that meeting, the Foreign Minister sought safe passage not only for ‘Banglar Joyjatra’ but also for another Bangladesh-bound vessel carrying crude oil.

Ambassador Jahanabadi appreciated Bangladesh’s balanced approach and expressed gratitude for the government’s condolence motion passed during the opening of the 13th Parliament session following the "targeted assassination of the late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khameini."

He also thanked the government for deputing Foreign Ministry Secretary (Bilateral) Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam to sign the official condolence book and for the dispatch of emergency medical supplies via the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.

Additionally, Dr. Khalilur noted that he has sent an official letter to his Iranian counterpart, thanking the Iranian government for its support in ensuring the safe passage of 186 Bangladeshis from Iran to Azerbaijan.