Bangladesh urges US to resolve Middle East crisis through dialogue

Dhaka has formally conveyed to the United States the negative economic impact the ongoing war in the Middle East is having on countries like Bangladesh. Washington has been urged to play an effective role in resolving the crisis through dialogue at the earliest possible time.

This position was conveyed by the Bangladesh side during a meeting with visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur on Wednesday, March 4.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman shared this information while briefing journalists after the meeting with the US assistant secretary of state.

The foreign minister said the Middle East crisis featured prominently in discussions with Paul Kapur. He said, "I mentioned to him that two Bangladeshis have been killed and seven injured. If this war prolongs or expands, this concern could increase further. At the same time, it will be difficult for countries like ours to bear the economic repercussions of this war."

Dr Khalilur Rahman further said, "We told him to try to resolve this conflict and problem as quickly as possible through dialogue and by creating a diplomatic opportunity."

During the briefing, a journalist asked whether the US assistant secretary of state had said anything about when the war would end. In response, the foreign minister said, "When the war will end is completely not in their hands either. No one can say that."