Dhaka, April 20 -- Bangladesh has sought Iran's assistance to ensure the safe passage of its flagged vessel "Banglar Joyjatra" through the Strait of Hormuz after the ship failed on multiple attempts to cross the strategically vital waterway.

The request was made by Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman during a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum in Turkey on Sunday.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday outlined details of the meeting, saying the foreign minister urged Iran to facilitate the safe transit of the Bangladesh-flagged ship through the strait.

Khalilur said, "When Iran included Bangladesh among six countries allowed to pass through H...