Iranian President Holds Bilateral Talks with PM Tarique Rahman

Iranian President Mr. Masoud Pezeshkian and Bangladesh Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman held a crucial bilateral meeting on Wednesday, September 23, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The two leaders engaged in extensive discussions covering matters of mutual interest, bilateral relations, regional stability, and international security. Central to their agenda was the volatile situation in the Middle East, along with its broader economic and humanitarian ramifications for South Asian nations.

During the dialogue, PM Tarique Rahman stressed the urgent need for a rapid de-escalation of hostilities across the Middle East, advocating strongly for a shift toward diplomatic solutions. He specifically sought Iran’s cooperation to ensure the safe passage of Bangladeshi container ships currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Highlighting Bangladesh’s dependence on smoothly functioning maritime trade routes, Mr. Rahman voiced serious concerns regarding how these ongoing disruptions threaten cargo operations and put immense pressure on national energy supplies.

The safety of Bangladeshi expatriates residing in the Middle East formed another major priority for the Bangladeshi delegation. PM Tarique Rahman warned that a prolonged regional conflict gravely endangers the lives and livelihoods of these workers, which in turn adversely impacts Bangladesh’s vital foreign remittance inflows. Both leaders recognized that maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East is fundamentally linked to safeguarding human lives and sustaining vulnerable global economic channels.

Reflecting Bangladesh’s broader geopolitical stance, the delegation affirmed its commitment to neutral engagement and peaceful dialogue within the UN multilateral framework. Rather than aligning with specific parties, Bangladesh aims to leverage diplomatic avenues to help mediate constructive solutions. Mr. Mahdi Amin, Advisor to the PM, stated, ‘Bangladesh stands for a peaceful resolution to the Middle East crisis,’ emphasizing that maintaining a friendly and neutral position allows the nation to foster dialogue and help mitigate trade risks.

Meanwhile, President Mr. Masoud Pezeshkian continued his active diplomatic campaign in New York, conducting high-level engagements with various heads of state and government attending the UNGA session. Alongside his discussions with the Bangladeshi leadership, Mr. Pezeshkian also met with Norwegian PM Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre on the same day. These diplomatic meetings underscore Iran’s ongoing effort to address international security issues and engage global leaders on critical regional security challenges.