Bangladesh, Iran seek stronger ties, closer cooperation

Bangladesh and Iran have expressed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields, with President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir assuring the Iranian ambassador of Bangladesh’s full support in discharging his responsibilities.
Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi conveyed the Iranian president’s congratulations to Mirza Fakhrul on his election as President during a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban on Thursday. According to a press release from the President’s Press Wing, the President said Bangladesh attaches great importance to its long-standing friendly and fraternal ties with Iran, rooted in historical, cultural and people-to-people relations.
He highlighted the influence of Persian poets and thinkers, including Ferdowsi, Sheikh Saadi, Hafez and Jalaluddin Rumi, on the region’s culture and thought. He also referred to the affection for the Iranian people expressed in the poetry and songs of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
The President expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, saying it had created severe energy challenges for import-dependent countries such as Bangladesh.  He reiterated Bangladesh’s principled position that disputes should be resolved through dialogue, understanding and diplomatic efforts.
He expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in Iran during the conflict and reiterated Bangladesh’s condemnation of Israeli attacks on Iranian territory, describing them as violations of Iran’s sovereignty and international law.
The Iranian ambassador praised Bangladesh’s constructive role in efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s participation in the funeral prayers of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He expressed hope that the two countries would work together to further strengthen bilateral ties.