State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Wednesday said keeping the Strait of Hormuz open does not depend on just one single party, stressing that there are a range of complex issues involved and multiple actors are engaged in the conflict.
“Look, keeping the Strait of Hormuz open does not depend on the decision of any single party. There are a range of complex issues involved, and multiple parties are directly or indirectly engaged in the conflict in the region. So, it is not a matter of isolating one party and depending on that one party to decide whether the strait will remain open or closed. That is not the case,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The State Minister said Bangladesh has reiterated its call for de-escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and sought a solution to the problem through dialogue under a de-escalation framework.
Kobir expressed Bangladesh’s hope for an early end to tensions in the region and lasting peace and stability in the interest of the people of the region and beyond.
He also highlighted the longstanding historical ties between Bangladesh and Iran, saying people-to-people exchanges and bilateral relations between Dhaka and Tehran date back to the period following Bangladesh’s independence. The two sides also exchanged views on cultural cooperation, he said.
Iran conveyed to Bangladesh that there is “no problem and difficulty” from Iran’s side regarding the shipment of LNG, gas and fuel to Bangladesh, while blaming the US for creating difficulties surrounding energy supplies.
“From the side of Iran, there is no problem and difficulty for shipment of your LNG, gas and fuel,” Ambassador of Iran to Bangladesh Dr Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to questions from journalists.
Earlier, he paid a courtesy call on State Minister-1 for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir. During the meeting, they discussed issues of mutual interest.
The Iranian envoy identified what he described as two major realities behind the continuation of the difficulties - the impact of US attacks and the continuation of what he called the American blockade against Iran.
“From the side of Iran, there’s no problem. The problem is caused by Americans,” the Ambassador said.
Bangladesh stressed that the safety and wellbeing of some 8 million Bangladeshis living and working across the region remain a top priority.
The State Minister discussed recent developments and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, along with the safety of Bangladeshi nationals and the movement of Bangladesh-bound cargo.
“We have reiterated our call for de-escalation. This has always been our consistent diplomatic position - to seek de-escalation of the conflict,” Kobir said.
He said Bangladesh has urged all sides to engage in dialogue, resolve their differences through diplomatic means and work toward a permanent and peaceful resolution.
“As you know, we have a large diaspora in the Middle East - approximately 8 million people of Bangladeshi origin working throughout the region. Their well-being and safety are of paramount importance to us,” he said.
Kobir said Bangladesh would continue to work with countries in the region on issues affecting its relations with the Middle East, particularly the safety of Bangladeshi citizens.
He expressed gratitude to Iran for helping Bangladesh evacuate some of its citizens who had been stranded in Tehran.
“On behalf of the Prime Minister (Tarique Rahman), I expressed our gratitude to them and appreciated their supportive initiatives,” the State Minister said.
The meeting also covered Bangladesh’s security cooperation and defence-related engagements in the Middle East, including its long-standing maritime cooperation with Saudi Arabia in addressing security challenges posed by the Houthis.
“This cooperation is vital because the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the custodian of the two holy mosques. Iran understands our position clearly in this regard,” Kobir said.
He, however, made Bangladesh’s position regarding the conflict with Iran clear.
“Our position is clear: we do not support, participate in, or call for any aggression or attacks against Iran,” he said.
“Our role is strictly limited to supporting Saudi Arabia in addressing the security challenges posed by the Houthis,” Kobir added.
The State Minister said Bangladesh also requested that its stranded cargo containers be given priority once a peaceful resolution is reached and the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz is de-escalated.
Asked about the movement of Bangladeshi ships and energy vessels affected by the disruption, Kobir said the situation was affecting vessels from many countries, not Bangladesh alone.
“It is not just Bangladesh; vessels from many nations across the world are currently affected,” he said.
“However, regarding Bangladesh's specific interests, we conveyed that as soon as the Strait of Hormuz reopens, our shipments and containers should be facilitated and prioritized as early as possible,” Kobir said.