Bangladesh has called on the United States to pursue urgent diplomatic engagement to resolve the escalating crisis with Iran, warning that a prolonged conflict would have severe economic consequences for countries like Bangladesh.

The appeal was made by Foreign Adviser Khalilur Rahman following a meeting with visiting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Rahman said Bangladesh had urged Washington to resolve the Iran crisis through negotiations and diplomatic efforts as quickly as possible. “The end of the war is no longer solely in the hands of the United States, nor is it a decision for one country alone,” he said, adding that the economic impact of a prolonged conflict would be extremely difficult for vulnerable economies to bear.

Kapur began the second day of his three-day visit by holding talks with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam before meeting the foreign adviser later in the day.

Responding to questions about a recently signed trade agreement with the United States, Rahman rejected suggestions that the deal had been hurriedly concluded ahead of elections. He said consultations had also taken place with political parties, including the National Citizens Party and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

According to a report by Prothom Alo, Bangladesh conveyed to the U.S. side that continued instability in the Middle East could significantly disrupt energy markets and trade flows, potentially placing additional pressure on Bangladesh’s already fragile economy.

The discussions between Dhaka and Washington come amid growing regional concern over the wider geopolitical and economic fallout from the expanding Middle East conflict.

BOB Post