Tehran approves safe passage for 6 Bangladesh fuel ships thru Hormuz: Iranian envoy
He said the ship numbers and other specifications were sent to Tehran by the Bangladesh government and expressed hope that the vessels would soon cross Hormuz safely.
Iran's Security Council has approved safe passage for Bangladesh's six fuel-carrying ships waiting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi said today (1 April).
While speaking at a press briefing at the embassy, he said the ship numbers and other specifications were sent to Tehran by the Bangladesh government and expressed hope that the vessels would soon cross Hormuz safely.
The envoy also said, "Bangladesh is a friend and a Muslim country, and its people are like brothers. Iran does not want Bangladeshis to face any hardships and will provide all necessary assistance for transporting fuel through Hormuz."
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Meanwhile, the Energy Division said it has not yet received an official letter from Iran but noted that developments are moving in a positive direction.
Iran considers Bangladesh a brotherly country
Commenting on recent developments in the Middle East, Ambassador Jalil Rahimi claimed that the United States has actually brought the entire region into war.
He said while the previous US administration avoided falling into what he described as an Israeli "trap," President Donald Trump had done so under Israeli influence and instigation.
The envoy emphasised that efforts would be made to ensure that Muslims in the region do not suffer.
He also mentioned that Bangladesh's Foreign Minister, Dr Khalilur Rahman, wrote to his Iranian counterpart on Tuesday, expressing gratitude for Iran's assistance in safely repatriating Bangladeshis from Iran.
Describing the relationship between the two nations as fraternal, the ambassador said Iran considers Bangladesh a brotherly country and expects mutual support during difficult times.
Citing the UN Charter, he said aggression by one state against another is illegal, and claimed that Iran is a victim of such aggression.
Highlighting Bangladesh's identity as a Muslim-majority country and its membership in the United Nations and the OIC, the Ambassador said Iran expects Bangladesh to strongly condemn what he described as aggression and the killing of women and children.
Bangladesh has been closely coordinating with Iran to ensure the safe passage of its fuel and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments through the Strait of Hormuz amid regional security concerns.
Detailed vessel data
Earlier on 25 March, the Energy Division provided the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a detailed list of six Bangladesh-bound vessels, including five LNG shipments from Qatar and one crude oil cargo from Saudi Arabia, carrying nearly 5 lakh tonnes of LNG and around 79,000 tonnes of crude oil.
The move followed a letter from the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka requesting updates on Bangladesh-bound energy shipments.
The communication came after Bangladesh's earlier diplomatic outreach on 15 March, seeking Iran's support to secure the transit of three crude oil consignments totalling approximately 3 lakh tonnes, which had become uncertain due to heightened security risks linked to the ongoing conflict in the region.
The Energy Division prepared the details of each vessel. These include estimated loading dates, cargo capacity, origin and loading ports, as well as International Maritime Organization (IMO) identification numbers.
Four of the LNG cargoes are being sourced from QatarEnergy LNG and are scheduled for loading at Ras Laffan Port.
The first shipment will be carried by Al Areesh, a Bahamas-flagged vessel with a gross tonnage of 99,106, expected to load on 14 April.
The second cargo is assigned to Maran Gas Efessos, sailing under the Greek flag, with a gross tonnage of 1,03,928 and a scheduled loading date of 22 April.
A third LNG cargo will be transported by Al Marrouna, another Bahamas-flagged vessel with a tonnage of 99,106 and is expected to load on 27 April.
The fourth shipment is scheduled for loading on 10 May and will be carried by Lusail, also Bahamas-flagged, with a capacity of 95,824 tonnes.
In addition, Excelerate Gas Marketing LP is supplying another LNG cargo of 97,496 tonnes.
This shipment will be loaded on 2 April at Ras Laffan Port and transported by the Greek-flagged vessel Al Jassasiya.
