Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh and Bhutan have jointly agreed to bolster connectivity and cooperation across a spectrum of sectors to cement the bilateral relations to a new height as both nations are historically connected during the birth of Bangladesh.
The announcement came in a Joint Statement between Bangladesh and Bhutan on the occasion of the State visit of Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan, to Bangladesh from 25 to 28 March.
Following this visit, Bangladesh and Bhutan signed three instruments, which include – MoU between Bangladesh and Bhutan for Cooperation on establishment of a Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit in Thimphu and Health Cooperation; MoU between Bangladesh and Bhutan for Cooperation on establishing Bhutanese Special and Economic Zone in Kurigram, Bangladesh by Bhutan; and MoU between Directorate of National Consumers Right Protection of Bangladesh and the Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority of Bhutan.
Besides, the Agreement between Bangladesh and Bhutan on Cultural cooperation has been renewed.
Both sides expressed satisfaction that annual intake of Bhutanese students for admission in MBBS in public medical colleges of Bangladesh has been increasing gradually.
To further consolidate the existing momentum of cooperation, Bangladesh offered to increase the number of annual MBBS seats for Bhutanese students from 22 (twenty-two) to 30 (thirty), the joint statement said.
Both sides emphasised on strengthening the cooperation on capacity building between the Government officials of the two countries.
During the official meeting, the two sides expressed happiness on the current state of relation between Bangladesh and Bhutan, which is a very special one based on common history, geographical proximity, and the shared aspiration of the people for prosperity and development.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recalled with gratitude the invaluable support of the King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Third King of Bhutan and the people of Bhutan during Bangladesh’s War of Independence.
Both Bangladesh and Bhutan recognized with deep satisfaction the manner in which the historic ties between Bangladesh and Bhutan have evolved over the years into a mutually beneficial relationship.
Both sides expressed happiness that Bangladesh and Bhutan signed the Agreement on the Movement of Traffic-in-Transit and its Protocol in March 2023 which will usher in new horizons for bilateral trade and connectivity.
