Diplomatic Correspondent :
Bangladesh and Bhutan have opened a fresh chapter in their long-standing partnership, wrapping up a three-day state visit by Bhutan’s Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay with a slate of new agreements and expanded cooperation across key sectors.
Tobgay arrived in Dhaka on 22 November at the invitation of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, marking his first state visit since taking office.
The warm reception – complete with a Guard of Honour, Gun Salute, and tributes at the National Martyrs’ Memorial – set the tone for a visit centred on friendship, trust, and shared priorities.
According to a joint statement on Sunday, both countries expressed that they
wanted to strengthen what already works and push forward on areas that have been waiting for momentum – trade, connectivity, education, and people-to-people ties.
During formal discussions on 22 November, the two leaders reviewed the entire scope of bilateral relations.
They reiterated the historical depth of the partnership, with Bangladesh expressing gratitude for Bhutan’s early recognition of its independence in 1971.
They also recalled the 2024 state visit of Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, which helped give new direction to the relationship.
The statement stated that both sides highlighted the need to energise trade and enhance private sector collaboration.
Tobgay met Bangladeshi business leaders to explore potential investments and new commercial links.
Bangladesh reaffirmed its support for Bhutan’s ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City project and expressed readiness to contribute expertise as Bhutan develops the city into a regional economic and cultural hub.
The countries also welcomed progress on the Bhutanese Special Economic Zone in Kurigram, with a Joint Working Group already in place to steer the project forward.
One notable proposal came from Dhaka – a government-to-government supply arrangement for pharmaceutical products, aimed at giving Bhutan steady access to affordable, high-quality medicines.
The two leaders reviewed the implementation of the Agreement on the Movement of Traffic-in-Transit.
They expressed satisfaction that the trial run of goods transport from Chattogram Port to Burimari Land Port is nearing completion – a development that could significantly ease Bhutan’s access to global markets.
About education and people-to-people links, Bhutan thanked Bangladesh for increasing the annual MBBS/BDS seats for Bhutanese students to 30 in public medical colleges, a commitment made during the King’s 2024 visit.
To further strengthening the bilateral cooperation, Bangladesh offered the ten earmarked seats each year at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology for Bhutanese students to pursue engineering studies; One dedicated seat for Bhutanese students to pursue diploma in sports science at the Bangladesh Sports Education Institution (BKSP), and extension of the use of home ground for Bhutanese sports teams; Specialised professional training programs for Bhutanese experts in relevant fields.
These steps, the leaders agreed, would deepen people-to-people ties and build long-term capacity for both nations.
In the presence of the two leaders, the following two MoUs were signed: MoU on Trade of International Internet Bandwidth and Telecommunication Services; and MoU on Appointment of Health Workforce
Together, these are designed to strengthen digital infrastructure cooperation and help Bhutan expand its health sector capacity.
Regarding the shared vision for the region, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working closely at regional and sub-regional platforms, including SAARC and BIMSTEC.
They emphasised cooperation rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a common drive for peace and prosperity.
As the visit wrapped up, Tobgay thanked Bangladesh for the warm hospitality and extended an invitation for Professor Yunus to visit Bhutan.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enduring engagements and cooperation between the two countries and their peoples.
