Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi has sought cooperation from Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram, to introduce direct flights between Dhaka and Tehran to strengthen bilateral connectivity and trade relations.

The Iranian envoy made the request during a courtesy call on the Speaker at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Monday.

Speaker proposes formation of Bangladesh-Switzerland inter-parliamentary team

During the meeting, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed stressed the importance of forming parliamentary teams between Bangladesh and Iran to further deepen institutional ties between the parliaments of the two countries.

Describing the Iranians as a nation of heroes, he praised the courageous role of Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf during the war.

Turning to bilateral trade, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said he believes that both countries will benefit if trade between the two countries increases and areas of economic cooperation expand.

Alongside seeking support to introduce Dhaka-Tehran direct flight, the Iranian Ambassador also requested the Speaker to encourage Bangladeshis to access to Iran's world-class medical services.

He further expressed hope of increasing bilateral trade and investment to around 1 billion US dollars.

The Iranian diplomat proposed expanding exports of Iranian petrochemical products, urea fertilizer and food items to Bangladesh at competitive prices.

He also informed that Iran is interested in importing high-quality garments from Bangladesh.

The envoy thanked the Speaker for the adoption of a condolence motion in the Bangladesh Parliament over the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The ambassador also sought cooperation from the Speaker for renewing cultural exchange programmes and a duty-free trade agreement between the two countries, said a press release.