Home
+
Published : 02 Mar 2026, 05:17 PM
Bangladesh has said it is “saddened” by the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issuing a fresh statement after criticism over its earlier response.
In a statement released on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government was saddened to learn that Khamenei had been targeted and killed “in violation of international law and norms”.
“Bangladesh extends its heartfelt condolences to the brotherly people of Iran,” the statement said.
The ministry added that no solution can be achieved through conflict and stressed that disputes must be resolved only through "dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to international law".
The new statement comes a day after the foreign ministry drew criticism for not mentioning Khamenei’s killing in an earlier release that condemned violations of the sovereignty of several Middle Eastern countries.
Israel and the United States launched a large-scale military operation across Iran on Saturday. Khamenei was killed in the strikes, along with members of his family.
The Iranian Red Crescent has said the death toll has exceeded 550, including dozens of senior leaders and officials.
Following the attacks, Iran launched missile and drone strikes targeting Israel as well as US military bases and facilities in several Gulf countries.
According to international media reports, military sites were targeted in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq.
Late on Saturday, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman held an emergency meeting with senior officials to review the evolving situation. On Sunday, he and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir met the prime minister.
Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam also met representatives of the Saudi, Qatari, Kuwaiti and UAE embassies in Dhaka to discuss the safety of Bangladeshi nationals in the region.
After meeting the prime minister, adviser Humayun Kabir told reporters that ensuring the safety of expatriate Bangladeshis remains the government’s top priority.
He called for de-escalation, saying Bangladesh supports a diplomatic solution and does not want the situation to deteriorate further.
In its earlier statement, the foreign ministry said Bangladesh was deeply concerned about the safety of its citizens in Iran and warned that continued conflict would threaten regional peace and stability.
The government urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and return to diplomacy, expressing hope that calm would soon be restored in the region.
