PM discusses Middle East tensions, safety of Bangladeshi workers with Iran president

Highlights:

• Bangladesh sought Iran's cooperation for safe vessel movements
• Leaders discussed safety of Bangladeshi workers across the Middle East
• Bangladesh called for resolving the conflict through diplomacy
• Prolonged tensions could threaten Bangladesh's energy security and trade
• Bangladesh offered constructive diplomatic support for regional peace and stability

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman discussed the Middle East conflict and the safety of Bangladeshi workers in a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, while seeking Iran's cooperation in facilitating the movement of Bangladeshi vessels and containers through the Strait of Hormuz.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday (23 September).

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Prime Minister's Adviser Mahdi Amin briefed journalists on the meeting at a press briefing later in the day at the Hyatt Grand Central New York hotel.

Kobir said the prime minister called for an early resolution of the conflict through diplomacy, stressing its potential impact on Bangladesh, particularly on Bangladeshi expatriate workers and the country's energy security.

Bangladesh has a significant number of workers and professionals in the Middle East, and any prolonged conflict in the region could have an impact on the country, he said.

The state minister also said Bangladesh raised the issue of containers and vessels being held up amid tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and sought Iran's cooperation in facilitating their safe movement once the situation improves.

"We called for a quick resolution through diplomacy," he said, adding that the Iranian President listened to Bangladesh's concerns and took note of them.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was scheduled to address the 81st session of the UNGA on Thursday (3am on Friday in Bangladesh time).

"He will deliver his speech in Bangla at 5pm New York local time, which is approximately 3am Bangladesh time on Friday," Prime Minister's Adviser Mahdi Amin said at the briefing. 

He added, "The prime minister will deliver his speech in Bangla, reflecting the emotions, aspirations and expectations of the people of Bangladesh."

PM urges faster global action as sea level threatens Bangladeshis

Meanwhile, PM Tarique yesterday called for faster and deeper cuts in global emissions and greater international support for climate-vulnerable countries, warning that a 25-centimetre rise in sea level could submerge around 4 percent of Bangladesh's land and affect about 10 million people by 2050.

While addressing an event titled "High-level Meeting to Address the Existential Threats Posed by Sea-Level Rise" at the UN Headquarters, he also proposed four urgent actions to address the impacts of sea-level rise.

"Vulnerable countries like Bangladesh cannot face the grave consequences of sea-level rise alone. Global support and assistance are needed to redouble our efforts. We, therefore, call for four urgent actions," Tarique Rahman said.

First, he called for faster, deeper and fairer cuts in global emissions to keep the 1.5-degree Celsius target within reach.

Second, the Prime Minister urged the international community to ensure predictable and accessible climate finance for vulnerable countries.

Third, he stressed the need for greater access to climate-smart technologies, data and early-warning systems for vulnerable coastal nations.

Finally, Tarique urged stronger international cooperation to address climate-induced displacement, loss and damage, and to ensure dignified pathways for communities displaced by sea-level rise.

Citing a World Bank estimate, he said a 25-centimetre sea-level rise by 2050 could result in the loss of homes, livelihoods and human dignity for around 10 million Bangladeshis.

The prime minister said Bangladesh, an active delta where hundreds of rivers meet the sea, has a future closely tied to its coast and is already taking measures to delay the impacts of sea-level rise despite its limited resources.

Bangladesh has built early-warning systems, strengthened cyclone preparedness and invested in coastal protection, he said.