Bangladesh sends emergency aid to Iran following PM’s directive

Bangladesh has sent emergency medical supplies to Iran on the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (23 April) said that, in light of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and in solidarity with the brotherly people of Iran, Dr Kabir M Ashraf Alam, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), formally handed over emergency medicines and medical equipment to Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, ambassador of Iran to Bangladesh.

The handover ceremony took place at the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka, where Foreign Ministry Secretary (Bilateral) Dr Md Nazrul Islam and Director General of the West Asia Wing Md Humayun Kabir were also present on behalf of the government.

It is noted that on 6 April, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman provided a grant of Tk1 crore to the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society for the procurement of urgent medicines and medical supplies to assist injured people in Iran.

At the event, Dr Nazrul Islam expressed deep concern over the loss of life and damage caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He said Bangladesh has always supported peace and expressed hope that the crisis would be resolved peacefully through diplomatic efforts, leading to lasting stability in the region.

Receiving the assistance, Iranian Ambassador Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the humanitarian initiative. He also thanked Bangladesh for its solidarity during this difficult time and highlighted the friendly relations between the two countries.

Dr Kabir, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, said that the Red Crescent works globally to support people in distress. “It is our responsibility to extend assistance to the people of Iran during wartime,” he added.