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Published : 02 Apr 2026, 08:37 PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sent letters to the top leadership of the United Arab Emirates and Oman, expressing Bangladesh’s solidarity with the Gulf nations amid escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The premier’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Humaiun Kobir delivered the letters on Wednesday during meetings with the foreign ministers of the countries, confirmed a foreign ministry media statement.
The visits are part of a broader tour of the Gulf region by Humaiun, who carried a similar letter to Qatar three days ago.
The diplomatic move comes in the wake of a cycle of violence that began on Feb 28, following attacks on Iran by the US and Israel.
Iran has since carried out retaliatory missile and drone strikes across the Gulf, asserting that it is targeting US military bases and interests.
The conflict has taken a direct toll on the Bangladeshi diaspora, with at least six Bangladeshi nationals killed in four different countries.
During the meetings, the UAE foreign minister expressed deep condolences for the deaths of two Bangladeshis killed in Iranian strikes within their borders.
The new government’s response to the crisis marks a notable departure from Dhaka’s traditional foreign policy. Historically, Bangladesh has issued statements condemning almost all Israeli strikes on Iran.
In a statement on Mar 1, the government refrained from condemning a joint US-Israeli strike on Iran and skipped mentioning the death of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei.
While Dhaka condemned the "violation of sovereignty" of seven regional countries, Iran was conspicuously omitted from that list, aligning the statement more closely with those of the US, UK, France, and Germany.
A subsequent statement expressed that Dhaka was "shocked" by Khamenei’s death, describing it as a "targeted killing in violation of international laws", but pointedly avoided naming the US or Israel as the perpetrators.
UAE
In Abu Dhabi, Advisor Humaiun met with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to hand over the prime minister’s letter addressed to President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The letter conveyed deep concern over the loss of life and property in the UAE due to recent attacks and expressed gratitude for the UAE government's measures to protect the Bangladeshi expatriate community.
Tarique also extended an invitation to the UAE president to visit Bangladesh.
The country's state news agency, Emirates News Agency, wrote: “HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Kabir strongly condemned and denounced these unprovoked and terrorist Iranian missile attacks. They affirmed the right of the countries targeted by these assaults to take all necessary measures to protect their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of their citizens, residents, and visitors, in accordance with the provisions of international law.”
The report said, “Furthermore, Kabir affirmed the full solidarity of Bangladesh with the UAE, supporting all measures taken to maintain its security and stability.”
Oman
In Muscat, Humaiun met with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi to deliver a letter for Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
The premier’s message to the Sultan emphasised Bangladesh’s commitment to standing by Oman during the regional crisis.
Humaiun lauded Oman’s constructive role in mediating between Iran and the US and its efforts to promote peace through diplomacy.
The foreign ministry said ensuring the safety and welfare of the millions of Bangladeshis living in the Middle East remains the government’s topmost priority as it calls for a resolution through dialogue.
