Rojina Akter Trisha

Speaker of the Bangladesh National Parliament, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, paid tribute on behalf of Bangladesh at the state funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during a solemn ceremony held at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla.

Representing the government and the people of Bangladesh, the Speaker offered prayers for the departed leader and expressed heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the people of Iran during the state funeral. The event was attended by senior Iranian officials, foreign dignitaries, and representatives from several countries.

On the sidelines of the ceremony, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior government leaders. He also signed the official condolence book, conveying Bangladesh’s sympathy following the death of Iran’s highest religious and political authority.

The Bangladesh Speaker arrived in Tehran on Friday to attend the funeral proceedings. Upon his arrival, he was received at the airport by Iranian Deputy Speaker Hamid Reza Haji Babaei.

During his visit, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad held a bilateral meeting with Speaker of Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. According to a press release issued by the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat, the Bangladesh Speaker strongly condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader and reaffirmed the long-standing friendship, deep cultural ties, and diplomatic relations shared by Bangladesh and Iran.

He also praised the constructive role played by Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in advancing the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States, which is aimed at promoting regional peace and stability.

Expressing optimism about the agreement, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said he hoped the MoU would contribute to lasting peace, security, and prosperity in Iran and across the wider region. He reiterated Bangladesh’s continued support for peaceful dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means of resolving international disputes.

During the meeting, the Bangladesh Speaker extended a formal invitation to his Iranian counterpart to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. He said such a visit would help further strengthen parliamentary exchanges and deepen bilateral cooperation between the two friendly nations.

Later, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad met Iran’s Minister of Sports, Ahmad Donyamali, to discuss opportunities for cooperation in the field of sports. During the meeting, the Iranian minister sought Bangladesh’s assistance in promoting and developing cricket in Iran and expressed interest in signing a Memorandum of Understanding on sports cooperation between the two countries.

Responding to the proposal, the Bangladesh Speaker said he would convey the matter to Bangladesh’s State Minister for Youth and Sports for further consideration.

As part of his official engagements, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad also gave an interview to the Bangla Service of Radio Iran, where he discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues involving Bangladesh and Iran. He highlighted the importance of strengthening people-to-people contacts, expanding cooperation in various sectors, and maintaining close diplomatic engagement.

The Speaker further stated that he would request the relevant authorities in Bangladesh to enhance consular and other essential services for Bangladeshi expatriates residing in Iran, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens abroad.

The visit reflects Bangladesh’s continued commitment to maintaining friendly relations with Iran and expanding cooperation in parliamentary affairs, diplomacy, sports, and services for expatriates while supporting initiatives aimed at promoting peace and regional stability.