Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has warned that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could place significant pressure on Bangladesh’s economy. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur on Wednesday, March 4, he said Dhaka had urged Washington to pursue a diplomatic solution to the crisis as quickly as possible.

The minister said two Bangladeshi nationals had been killed and seven injured in the conflict, adding that an extended or expanded war could worsen the situation. He emphasized that countries like Bangladesh would find it difficult to bear the economic consequences of such a prolonged conflict. The discussion also covered trade issues, the repatriation of undocumented Bangladeshis from the United States, and bilateral relations, which both sides described as positive and expected to strengthen further.

Rahman added that Bangladesh and the United States reached agreement on the Rohingya issue during the talks, reaffirming Dhaka’s commitment to conduct foreign policy based on national interest while maintaining balanced relations with all countries.