Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi met with JS Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban today. Photo: JS

DHAKA, June 22, 2026 (BSS)- Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, today expressed interest for a close relation between the parliaments of Bangladesh and Iran and formation of a parliamentary friendship group.

The Speaker made the remarks when Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi paid a courtesy call on him at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban here today, said a press release.

During the meeting, the Speaker emphasized strengthening parliamentary cooperation between the two countries and proposed forming parliamentary teams to enhance engagement between the legislatures of Bangladesh and Iran, 

Referring to Iranians as a brave nation, he praised the courageous role played by Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf during the war period.

The Speaker said both countries would be benefitted from expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Greater collaboration in commerce and investment could further deepen Bangladesh-Iran relations, he said.

During the meeting, the Iranian ambassador sought the Speaker’s support for launching direct flights between Dhaka and Tehran. He also encouraged Bangladeshis to avail themselves of Iran’s world-class healthcare services.

The ambassador expressed optimism that bilateral trade and investment between the two countries could be increased to US$1 billion. He proposed exporting Iranian petrochemical products, urea fertilizer and food items to Bangladesh at competitive price.

He also informed the Speaker of Tehran’s interest in importing Bangladesh’s globally renowned ready-made garments.

The envoy thanked the Speaker for the adoption of a condolence motion in the Bangladesh Parliament following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The ambassador further sought the Speaker’s support for renewing cultural exchange programmes and a duty-free trade agreement between the two countries.

He also stressed the importance of enhancing people-to-people contacts and strengthening parliamentary relations between Bangladesh and Iran.