United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has said that international commerce and global trade channels should be free and open, stressing that everybody suffers if the free flow of international commerce is impeded. “It’s very important that the Strait of Hormuz is open for navigation. Not only the Strait of Hormuz, but international commerce should also be free and open. If they are not open and are impeded, everybody suffers. Global growth suffers, countries suffer. So it’s very important that these channels of global trade remain open,” he said. During an interview titled ADF Talks on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum recently, the Foreign Minister said the news that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open was very welcome. “You saw the impact on oil prices immediately.” He called for coordinated international action to contain the global energy crisis, warning that developing countries could face severe economic shocks if supply disruptions persist. Referring to past experiences, Dr Khalilur said they do not want a repetition of history, and it is very important that countries around the world work not only to bring peace but also to minimide the effects that the crisis might have on various countries, especially developing nations. He said the International Energy Agency has already indicated that the scope of the current crisis could be much larger than that of the 1970s. “So if the impact is very similar, then we have very rough days ahead. It is only through collective action that we will be able to withstand the negative effects emanating from the crisis and its impact on the energy market,” said the Foreign Minister. He said the world is currently facing a serious energy crisis and significant energy challenges and expressed hope that the situation would improve soon so that countries can return to normal economic activities. The 5th edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF 2026), hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, took place on April 17–19 in Antalya, Türkiye. In the face of geopolitical tensions, shifting balances of power, rising trade barriers and mounting pressure on multilateralism, the current global landscape is marked by increasing unpredictability. This year’s theme, “Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties,” emphasized the importance of anticipating and addressing emerging issues in order to shape a better future. The theme underscored the need to stay ahead of future developments by identifying risks and opportunities, developing strategies, and turning insights into action. “Young nations and developing economies suffered deeply in the 1980s after earlier oil shocks. We do not want a repetition of history,” said the Foreign Minister.

US President Donald Trump is reviewing a proposal from Iran aimed at ending its conflict with Israel, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and postponing nuclear negotiations until after the war. The White House said Trump met his national security advisers on Monday to assess the proposal. However, US media reports suggest he is not satisfied with the plan because it delays discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme. According to Reuters, citing a US official, Trump wants the nuclear issue to be addressed at the very beginning of any talks. CNN reported, quoting sources familiar with the matter, that he is unlikely to accept the proposal, as easing US restrictions on Iranian ports without resolving nuclear concerns could reduce Washington’s bargaining power. The proposal comes as uncertainty continues over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global trade route. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran will not enter negotiations while US restrictions on its ports remain in place. Washington and Tehran agreed to a temporary ceasefire on April 8 after more than a month of fighting triggered by joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The truce, mediated by Pakistan, is now under pressure due to disagreements over maritime access in the strait and US measures targeting Iranian ports. Ongoing tensions involving Israel and Lebanon have further complicated the situation. Meanwhile, Iran has signalled it is still open to diplomacy. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Monday and said Tehran is considering a US request to resume talks. Araghchi welcomed high-level engagement with Russia during a period of regional instability, saying recent developments show the strength of ties between the two countries. He also expressed appreciation for Moscow’s support for diplomatic efforts. Iran has also been engaging with regional partners, including Pakistan and Oman, which has traditionally acted as a mediator. Officials say Tehran is keeping communication channels open and continues to signal readiness for dialogue. At the same time, pressure is growing internationally to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Many countries have called for urgent and unhindered access to the waterway, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned the situation could lead to a global food crisis. Diplomats at the UN Security Council have repeatedly urged de-escalation, highlighting disruptions caused by stranded cargo ships and thousands of maritime workers unable to pass through the strait. About 20 percent of the world’s oil and natural gas flows through the route, making the situation critical for global energy supplies. Bahrain, which requested the UN meeting with support from several affected countries, described the closure as a violation of international law and called for an end to attacks on ships. However, no action was taken, as an earlier resolution urging the reopening of the strait was blocked by China and Russia, with Moscow blaming the US and Israel for escalating the conflict. Source: Al Jazeera

Stock markets across Asia fell on Tuesday while oil prices climbed, as efforts to end the Iran war appeared to lose momentum again. Despite a fragile ceasefire, the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, disrupting a key route for global oil supplies. Many Asian economies, especially resource-dependent Japan, rely heavily on this passage for energy imports. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 dropped 1.1% to 59,884.12 after the central bank kept its key interest rate unchanged at 0.75%. The Bank of Japan said the economy continues to grow at a moderate pace but warned of a likely slowdown as rising oil and commodity prices linked to the war increase costs. The decision by its policy board was split 6-3, reflecting differing views among members. Pressure has been building for Japan to gradually raise interest rates after years of keeping them near zero to tackle deflation. “There are various risks to the outlook,” the central bank said, noting that developments in the Middle East remain a key concern. Elsewhere in the region, South Korea’s Kospi rose 1% to 6,683.10. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.7% to 25,751.04, while China’s Shanghai Composite declined 0.2% to 4,078.77. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.6% to 8,717.80. Oil prices continued to rise. Brent crude for June delivery increased by $1.11 to $109.34 per barrel. The more actively traded July contract rose $1.08 to $102.77. Before the war, Brent was trading near $70 per barrel but has at times surged close to $120. U.S. benchmark crude also rose 96 cents to $97.33 per barrel. Investors are now awaiting interest rate decisions from the U.S. Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank and the Bank of England later this week. On Monday, U.S. markets showed modest gains. The S&P 500 edged up 0.1% to a record high of 7,137.91, following weeks of strong performance driven by solid corporate earnings and hopes that the global economy can withstand the impact of the war. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.1% to 49,167.79, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.2%. Market attention is also focused on upcoming earnings reports from major tech companies, including Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Microsoft and Apple. In the bond market, U.S. Treasury yields rose slightly alongside oil prices. The yield on the 10-year Treasury increased to 4.33% from 4.31% late Friday. In currency trading, the U.S. dollar weakened slightly to 159.04 Japanese yen from 159.42 yen, while the euro dipped to $1.1716 from $1.1720.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday said Bangladesh expects its vessels including MV Banglar Joyjatra to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz. “We expect all ships, including MV Banglar Joyjatra, to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz. The energy ministry (Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry) will know better,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question. On April 21, the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka said it will continue its efforts to facilitate the safe passage of Bangladeshi vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and has also facilitate the safe evacuation of 186 Bangladeshi nationals from Iran via Azerbaijan. The Embassy, in a press statement, called upon all concerned to refrain from any actions or statements that may create misperceptions, and to uphold the spirit of mutual respect that governs the enduring ties between the two brotherly nations. Iran reiterates its firm commitment to strengthening the close and amicable relations between the two nations.

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard fired on a container ship in the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, damaging the vessel and further heightening tensions in the region. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the incident took place around 7:55am local time, when a Guard gunboat targeted the ship without issuing any warning. The attack damaged the container vessel, but no one on board was injured and there was no environmental damage, according to UKMTO. Iran did not immediately comment on the incident. The development comes amid rising maritime tensions, following recent US actions including the seizure of an Iranian-linked container ship and the boarding of an oil tanker connected to Iran’s oil trade in the Indian Ocean. The latest incident also coincided with stalled efforts for planned ceasefire talks in Pakistan that ultimately did not move forward. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, and any disruption there often raises global concern over energy supplies and security. 

The Iranian Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday said it will continue its efforts to facilitate the safe passage of Bangladeshi vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and has also facilitated the safe evacuation of 186 Bangladeshi nationals from Iran via Azerbaijan. The Embassy, in a press statement, called upon all concerned to refrain from any actions or statements that may create misperceptions, and to uphold the spirit of mutual respect that governs the enduring ties between the two brotherly nations. Iran reiterates its firm commitment to strengthening the close and amicable relations between the two nations. The Embassy expressed its dissatisfaction with the selective dissemination of excerpts from recent media interviews concerning developments in the Middle East, which have been republished by certain media outlets and social media platforms. “Such actions are deemed inconsistent with the friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries,” said the Embassy, noting that these inaccurate and selective representations are regrettable and contrary to the principles of responsible media conduct. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the People's Republic of Bangladesh enjoy longstanding, friendly, and brotherly relations founded upon mutual respect and shared values. Iran reaffirmed its firm commitment to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. The Embassy welcomed the meeting held between Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran Dr. Khatibzadeh on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The Embassy said they will earnestly pursue the constructive and fruitful engagements and initiatives between the officials of the two countries and underscores the importance of further expanding bilateral relations across all areas of mutual interest. Iran appreciated the balanced and constructive position of the government of Bangladesh in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East through dialogue and diplomacy, which remain essential for the region and the wider international community. The Embassy also expressed its sincere appreciation for the messages of condolence conveyed by the Government of Bangladesh following the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the Leader of the Ummah and the great Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei. Particular appreciation is extended for the adoption of a condolence motion at the opening session of the 13th Parliament, which constitutes a notable and exceptional gesture. The Embassy further expressed its gratitude for the presence of a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dhaka to sign the condolence book. Iran also appreciated the decision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to send emergency medical assistance to the Islamic Republic of Iran through the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. The Islamic Republic of Iran, while appreciating the support of the government and people of Bangladesh, expressed its heartfelt condolences over the loss of Bangladeshi nationals resulting from the war ‘initiated by the United States and the Zionist regime and their unlawful aggression’ against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in these unfortunate incidents. 

Bangladesh has requested Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran Saeed Khatibzadeh to use his good offices to facilitate the safe passage of the Bangladesh-flagged vessel ‘Banglar Joyjatra’ through the Strait of Hormuz. "We were very thankful when Iran included Bangladesh among the six countries whose vessels would be permitted to cross Hormuz," Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman told the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister during a recent meeting on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye.  The Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran followed up on the matter immediately and informed the Bangladesh Foreign Minister on Sunday night that while the situation continues to remain tense, necessary directives have been given to the authorities concerned in Iran.  The two leaders will continue to maintain communication on the matter, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.  Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur is currently visiting Brussels, Belgium. Bangladesh and Iran exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Gulf region and other issues of mutual interest. During the meeting, the Foreign Minister reiterated Bangladesh’s ‘consistent and balanced position’ on the ongoing developments, underscoring the importance of restraint by all parties and the resolution of differences through dialogue and diplomacy.  The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister appreciated Bangladesh’s constructive stance and expressed hope that the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh would visit Tehran at a mutually convenient time. Earlier, on 5 April 2026 in Dhaka, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur held a meeting with Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Bangladesh, and requested facilitation of safe passage for Banglar Joyjatra as well as another Bangladesh-bound vessel carrying crude oil.  The Ambassador conveyed that the Iranian authorities were being approached at appropriate levels in this regard. He also appreciated Bangladesh’s balanced stance on the current crisis and expressed gratitude to the Government of Bangladesh for adopting a condolence motion on the opening day of the 13th Parliament session following the targeted assassination of the late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khameini.  He thanked the government for deputing Secretary (Bilateral) of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, to sign the condolence book at the Embassy of Iran on its behalf.  The Iranian Ambassador also conveyed appreciation for the Bangladesh government’s actions to facilitate dispatch of emergency medical supplies to Iran by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur noted at that meeting he had addressed an official letter to Iranian Foreign Minister thanking him for the support extended by the Government of Iran to safe passage of 186 Bangladeshis from Iran to Azerbaijan.

Iran has reimposed restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, backtracking on its earlier move to reopen the vital shipping lane and warning that transit would remain blocked as long as the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports continues. In a statement, the country’s joint military command said, “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state ... under strict management and control of the armed forces.” It also cautioned that passage through the strategic waterway would continue to be restricted while the U.S. blockade remains in place. Trump warns of renewed attacks if Iran ceasefire ends without deal The development came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. blockade “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches an agreement with Washington, including on its nuclear programme.

Uncertainty continues to disrupt maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with many vessels hesitant to pass despite Iran’s claim that the route remains open. John-Paul Rodrigue said mixed signals about the situation are causing ships to reconsider their movements. “Ships have been attempting transit since the announcement … but it looks like many of them are heading back because the situation is unclear,” Rodrigue told Al Jazeera. He added, “There is contradictory information being issued by all parties,” highlighting the confusion affecting global shipping decisions. Earlier, Abbas Araghchi stated that the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” to commercial traffic. However, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf cautioned that access could be restricted if U.S. measures against Iranian ports continue. Rodrigue noted that major shipping companies such as Maersk are unlikely to resume normal transit until there is full clarity and the complete “removal of the current Iranian interdiction”.

Iran has reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, but warned it could shut it again if the United States continues blocking Iranian vessels and ports. In Beirut on April 18, officials said ships can pass through the key waterway—responsible for about 20% of global oil transport—but only along routes approved by Iran, indicating Tehran still maintains significant control. It remains unclear whether ships must pay fees. Data from a monitoring firm showed that traffic is still restricted to corridors requiring Iranian permission. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the American blockade will stay in place until Iran reaches a broader agreement with Washington, including over its nuclear program. Although he initially welcomed Iran’s move, he quickly clarified that the blockade would continue until negotiations are fully concluded. Iranian leaders criticized the blockade as a breach of a recent ceasefire agreement and warned the strait could be closed again if U.S. restrictions persist. Since the blockade began, U.S. forces have reportedly turned back multiple Iranian ships. Trump indicated that new talks with Iran could take place soon, after earlier discussions failed to produce an agreement, particularly over nuclear issues. Optimism around potential negotiations led to a drop in oil prices, amid concerns that continued disruption in the strait could worsen the global energy situation. However, there were mixed signals within Iran itself, as some semi-official media outlets questioned the clarity and authority behind the decision to reopen the strait, suggesting it may still require approval from top leadership. Meanwhile, a ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon appeared to be holding, which could ease broader tensions and support diplomatic efforts. Still, uncertainty remains about whether all parties will fully adhere to the truce, especially with Israeli troops still present in southern Lebanon. Despite the ceasefire, isolated violence continued, including an Israeli strike that caused casualties shortly after the truce began. Both sides have yet to confirm full compliance. The broader conflict has caused thousands of deaths across multiple countries, and key sticking points in ongoing mediation include Iran’s nuclear program, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for war damages. Trump also claimed Iran might concede on its enriched uranium stockpile—though this has not been confirmed by Iran or mediators.