Dhaka calls on Iran to ensure the passage of ships to Bangladesh through the Strait of Hormuz

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State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam called on Iran to ensure the safe movement of Bangladeshi fuel ships through the Strait of Hormuz. This call was made during the courtesy meeting of Iranian Ambassador Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi appointed in Dhaka with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam.

According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, the Minister of State has requested the Ambassador to consider ensuring safe passage of ships bound for Bangladesh through the Strait of Hormuz.

The statement also said that in the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they discussed bilateral issues as well as the ongoing situation in the Middle East and especially the Persian Gulf. They both stressed on maintaining peace and stability in the region and beyond. The State Minister assured the Ambassador of Bangladesh’s full cooperation in fulfilling his duties.

Earlier on April 1, Iran’s ambassador in Dhaka told a press conference that the country’s government has approved the safe movement of six Bangladeshi-bound ships carrying fuel waiting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

At that time, Jahanabadi told reporters, “Iran does not want Bangladeshis to suffer and all necessary cooperation will be provided in the transportation of energy through the Strait of Hormuz.”

According to international media reports, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was almost stopped last week. During this period, only 5-11 ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz per day, whereas before the war, 100 to 130 ships crossed the strait per day. Even after the ceasefire came into force, daily vessel traffic through the strait is limited to 7 to 11 hours.