Tarique urges safe passage for Bangladeshi ships through Hormuz

He also raises security concerns for Bangladeshis in Middle East

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and called for diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

During the meeting, Tarique Rahman also urged Iran to facilitate the safe passage of Bangladeshi container ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict and raised concerns about the safety of Bangladeshi workers living in the Middle East.

The meeting was held in New York on Wednesday (23 September) on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The discussions focused on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, regional stability, the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates, remittances, the transportation of Bangladeshi goods by sea and the potential energy crisis.

Tarique Rahman told the Iranian president that a large number of Bangladeshi workers live in the Middle East. A prolonged conflict could directly affect both their safety and Bangladesh’s economy. As remittances sent by these workers are vital to their families and the country’s economy, the situation in the Middle East is a matter of serious concern for Bangladesh.

He said the situation in the Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict had also raised concerns about Bangladesh’s trade and energy security. Several Bangladeshi container ships are currently stranded because of the conflict. Bangladesh therefore sought Iran’s cooperation in ensuring that the vessels can leave the area safely and smoothly once the conflict ends and diplomatic efforts lead to a resolution.

Bangladesh’s energy security was also given significant importance during the meeting. Bangladesh expressed concern that a prolonged crisis in the Strait of Hormuz could put pressure on oil and gas supplies and potentially expose the country to a major energy crisis.

The Iranian president listened attentively to Bangladesh’s concerns, and the issues were duly noted by the relevant authorities, according to the information provided after the meeting.