Iran proposes direct Dhaka-Tehran flights

Iran has proposed launching direct flights between Dhaka and Tehran to strengthen commercial, diplomatic and cultural ties with Bangladesh. The proposal was put forward by Iran's Ambassador in Dhaka, Dr Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, during a courtesy call with Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed on Monday.

The ambassador stated that direct air connectivity would significantly enhance trade, tourism and people-to-people contact between the two nations. He expressed optimism about raising Iran’s trade and investment in Bangladesh to $1 billion.

He also proposed exporting Iranian petrochemical products, urea fertiliser, and food items at competitive prices, while expressing Tehran’s keen interest in importing ready-made garments of Bangladesh.

Speaker Hafiz emphasised that parliamentary teams be formed to deepen ties between the two legislatures. He noted that both countries would benefit from expanded economic cooperation. The discussions also covered renewing duty-free trade agreements, increasing cultural exchanges and sharing parliamentary experiences.

The Iranian envoy sought the Speaker’s cooperation in launching direct flights and encouraged Bangladeshis to utilise Iran’s world-class healthcare services. He also thanked the Speaker for the country's condolence motion following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Separately, during the same meeting, Speaker Ahmed praised Iranians as a ‘nation of heroes’ and commended Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf for his courageous role during wartime. Both sides expressed strong optimism about further strengthening bilateral relations in the future.