Bangladesh has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan, urging both countries to remain calm, exercise restraint, and refrain from taking any actions that could further aggravate the situation.

The foreign ministry issued a statement yesterday saying the Bangladesh government is closely monitoring the evolving situation in India and Pakistan.

"In the spirit of regional peace, prosperity and stability, Bangladesh remains hopeful that tensions will be defused through diplomatic endeavours, and that peace will ultimately prevail for the benefit of the peoples in the region."

Early yesterday, India attacked nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir.

Pakistan said it was mounting a response, as the worst fighting in years erupted between the longstanding rivals.

At least 26 people were killed in Pakistan, according to its military. Meanwhile, 12 have reportedly been killed in India.

On Monday evening, Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called Bangladesh's Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain.

On Tuesday, Touhid told the media that he had conveyed Bangladesh's desire for peace and avoidance of conflict in the region. "Since the Pakistan Foreign Minister phoned me, I told him we want peace. We don't want to see any conflict here."

Asked whether this message would also be conveyed to India, he said, "If India wants to know anything from me, I will tell Delhi the exact same thing. I don't need to say anything in advance."

In his conversation with his Pakistani counterpart, he also stressed the importance of dialogue in resolving any issue.

Touhid said Ishaq Dar had called to brief him on the steps Islamabad has taken in light of recent developments in the region.

"He did not ask for support or any particular reaction. I simply said that peace needs to prevail, and steps should be taken to de-escalate tensions… That is our expectation. We want any problem to be resolved through dialogue."