Dhaka-Kathmandu talks focus on connectivity trade, energy
Staff Reporter :
In a significant gesture aimed at regional healthcare development, Dr Yunus announced that the upcoming 1,000-bed hospital being built with Chinese support in Rangpur would be open to patients from both Nepal and Bhutan.
“We believe in regional health security and shared prosperity,” said Dr Yunus, adding that healthcare should transcend borders in the pursuit of inclusive development.
The renewed focus was discussed during a high-level meeting in Dhaka on Monday between the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nepal, Indira Ranamagar, and the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s Interim Government, Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus.
Thus, Bangladesh and Nepal have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors including trade, energy, tourism, connectivity, and healthcare.
The meeting underscored the growing momentum in Dhaka-Kathmandu relations, with both sides agreeing to explore new avenues for collaboration and enhance regional integration.
The two leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation in several areas and expressed mutual interest in expanding trade and investment opportunities, improving people-to-people contacts, and advancing coordination within regional and multilateral forums.
Particular emphasis was placed on energy cooperation, especially in the context of the Bangladesh-Nepal-India tripartite agreement signed last October, under which Bangladesh is importing 40 megawatts of hydropower from Nepal via the Indian grid. Dr Yunus highlighted Nepal’s vast hydropower potential and its strategic relevance to Bangladesh’s energy security and climate goals.
Connectivity was also a key topic of discussion. Dr Yunus underscored the benefits of improved direct road connectivity between Bangladesh and Nepal, which he said would reduce trade costs and facilitate smoother movement of goods and people across the region.
Deputy Speaker Ranamagar expressed satisfaction with the recent progress in bilateral relations, particularly in the power sector, education, and tourism. She called for clearly defined objectives to maximise the benefits of the historic and friendly ties between the two countries.
Dr Yunus also praised Nepal’s support for his vision of regional social transformation, particularly through the ‘Three-Zero Clubs’ initiative, which aims for zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions. He emphasised the importance of cooperation not only in traditional sectors but also in emerging areas such as digital connectivity and public health.
Both parties acknowledged the common development challenges facing Bangladesh and Nepal and agreed on the importance of collective action to address them. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to a greener, more connected, and economically integrated South Asia.
Deputy Speaker Ranamagar was accompanied by Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ghanshyam Bhandari, and Deputy Chief of Mission, Lalita Silwal. Representing the Bangladeshi side were Principal Coordinator for SDG Affairs, Lamiya Morshed, and Foreign Ministry Director General, Ishrat Jahan.