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Published : 20 Apr 2026, 06:31 PM
Bangladesh has sought Iran’s assistance to ensure the safe passage of its flagged vessel “Banglar Joyjatra” through the Strait of Hormuz after the ship failed on multiple attempts to cross the strategically vital waterway.
The request was made by Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman during a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum in Turkey on Sunday.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday outlined details of the meeting, saying the foreign minister urged Iran to facilitate the safe transit of the Bangladesh-flagged ship through the strait.
Khalilur said, “When Iran included Bangladesh among six countries allowed to pass through Hormuz, we expressed our gratitude.”
According to the statement, the Iranian deputy foreign minister immediately sought updates on the matter and later informed Khalilur that, despite the tense situation, necessary instructions had been issued to relevant Iranian authorities.
Both sides agreed to maintain contact on the issue.
Despite earlier clearance for Bangladeshi vessels amid the ongoing Iran-Israel-US tensions in the region, “Banglar Joyjatra” has repeatedly failed to make the crossing.
Most recently, early on Saturday (Bangladesh time), the vessel departed Mina Saqr Port in the United Arab Emirates and approached close to the Strait of Hormuz but was unable to proceed further.
Following a lack of clearance from the Iranian navy, it was forced to return to its previous position near Mina Saqr.
Amid the situation, a lawyer on Monday issued a legal notice demanding diplomatic steps from the government to ensure safe passage of Bangladeshi ships through the strait.
The foreign ministry said discussions in Antalya also covered evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Gulf region and issues of mutual interest.
Both sides stressed restraint and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes.
Khalilur reaffirmed Bangladesh’s “balanced and constructive position” in the ongoing situation, which was welcomed by the Iranian deputy foreign minister, who also invited him to visit Tehran at a mutually convenient time.
