[🇧🇩] Can Bhutan be Bangladesh's Strategic Partner?

[Saif]

Date of Event: Nov 21, 2025

Source : https://www.newagebd.net/post/Foreign%20affairs/282695/bhutanese-pm-due-tomorrow

Bhutanese PM due tomorrow
3 MoUs on internet bandwidth, doctors-health workers’ recruitment, agriculture likely to be signed

Staff Correspondent 20 November, 2025, 20:21

Dasho Tshering Tobgay | BSS Photo

Bhutanese prime minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on a three-day state visit to Bangladesh on Saturday.

‘The prime minister of Bhutan will be on a three-day state visit to Bangladesh from November 22 at the invitation of the chief adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus. He will be leading a thirteen-member delegation, including the foreign minister and commerce minister, during the visit,’ foreign secretary Asad Alam Siam told a press briefing at the foreign ministry on Thursday.

The visit would enhance the bilateral relations between the two neighborly nations further, he hoped.

According to the foreign secretary, three memorandums of understanding are likely to be signed with Bhutan on international internet bandwidth, recruitment of specialist doctors and health workers in Bhutan, and agricultural cooperation following a bilateral meeting between the two countries at the delegation level.

The meeting is expected to focus on issues of bilateral cooperation, including trade and investment, communication, health education, energy and power, agriculture and tourism.

During the visit, the Bhutanese prime minister would hold a meeting with the Bangladesh chief adviser, besides his series of engagements in Dhaka.

The foreign secretary said that Bangladesh would have the opportunity to present specific proposals for bilateral cooperation during the delegation-level meeting in the fields of health, education, agriculture, tourism and sports.

Regional and multilateral issues are also expected to be discussed during the bilateral meeting.

About Bhutan’s hydroelectric potential for Bangladesh, the foreign secretary said that Bhutan would first discuss the issue with India since the import of electricity from Bhutan was a tripartite issue.

Professor Yunus will welcome the Bhutanese prime minister at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Saturday morning.

After receiving a guard of honour at the airport, Dasho Tshering Tobgay will go to Savar to pay homage to Bangladesh’s Liberation War martyrs at the National Mausoleum there. In the afternoon, foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain will pay a courtesy call on him, the foreign secretary said.

On Sunday, the Bhutanese prime minister will pay a courtesy call on president Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban.

A Bangladeshi business delegation is also expected to pay a courtesy call on the state guest.

He will depart Dhaka for Thimphu on Monday morning.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh, Bhutan sign two MoUs

Bangladesh and Bhutan on Saturday signed two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) - one on health cooperation and another on internet connectivity - following a bilateral meeting between the top leaders of the two countries. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Bhutanese Prime Minister...

en.prothomalo.com

Bangladesh, Bhutan sign two MoUs
BSS Dhaka
Published: 22 Nov 2025, 22: 02

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay witnessed the signing ceremony and the exchange of documents at the Chief Adviser's Office in Tejgaon. BSS

Bangladesh and Bhutan on Saturday signed two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) - one on health cooperation and another on internet connectivity - following a bilateral meeting between the top leaders of the two countries.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay witnessed the signing ceremony and the exchange of documents at the Chief Adviser's Office in Tejgaon here, said Chief Adviser's Press Wing on Saturday afternoon.

The MoU signing followed a tête-à-tête between the Chief Adviser and Prime Minister Tobgay, as well as formal official talks.

The first MoU, on the appointment of health workforce, was signed between the Health Services Division of Bangladesh's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Health of the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Md Saidur Rahman, Secretary of the Health Services Division, signed the document on behalf of Bangladesh.

The second MoU, concerning the trade of international internet bandwidth and other telecommunication services, was signed between the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Government of Bangladesh.

Abdun Naser Khan, Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division under the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, signed on behalf of Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Tobgay arrived in Bangladesh on Saturday morning on a two-day state visit at the invitation of Chief Adviser Prof Yunus.

He was received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) around 8:15 am by the Chief Adviser.

The two leaders held a brief meeting at the airport's VVIP lounge, during which Prime Minister Tobgay inquired about the damages and loss of lives caused by Friday's earthquake and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

Following the meeting, Tobgay was escorted to a ceremonial saluting dais, where he was accorded a 19-gun salute and a guard of honour.

After the airport ceremony, the Bhutanese Prime Minister travelled to the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar to pay homage to the martyrs of Bangladesh's Liberation War. He laid a wreath at the altar and planted a sapling on the memorial premises.

In the afternoon, Bangladesh's Foreign Adviser M Touhid Hossain and Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin called on the Bhutanese Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Tobgay is scheduled to attend an official banquet in his honour in the evening.​

 

[Saif]

Bhutan wants to transform PTA with Bangladesh into FTA

Bhutan is interested in transforming its current preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Bangladesh into a free trade agreement (FTA) to expand bilateral trade..Visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay expressed this interest at a meeting with Bangladeshi Commerce Adviser Sk

www.thedailystar.net

Bhutan wants to transform PTA with Bangladesh into FTA
Visiting Bhutanese PM informs commerce adviser

Visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay is seen talking with Bangladeshi Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin at a hotel in Dhaka today. Photo: collected

Bhutan is interested in transforming its current preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Bangladesh into a free trade agreement (FTA) to expand bilateral trade.

Visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay expressed this interest at a meeting with Bangladeshi Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin at a hotel in Dhaka today.

Google News LinkFor all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Bangladesh signed its only PTA with Bhutan back in 2020.

Today, Tobgay expressed gratitude for allocating a special economic zone for Bhutan in Kurigram, where several activities have already been undertaken, according to a statement from the commerce ministry.

The prime minister also said the Bhutanese government has taken the initiative to develop the Biodiversity City in Gelephu.

This proposed city is being built to preserve Bhutan's rich biodiversity, where advanced and sustainable infrastructure will be developed in harmony with nature.

Mentioning that a large quantity of construction materials will be required for the development of Gelephu city, he expressed interest in importing these materials from Bangladesh.

He further stated that the Bhutanese government is also interested in importing medicines, ceramic products, readymade garments and electronic items from Bangladesh.

Inviting Bangladeshi tourists to enjoy Bhutan's natural beauty, the prime minister said that while the Bhutanese government has set a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 per night for tourists from most countries, for tourists from Bangladesh and other South Asian countries the fee is only $15.

He also urged the government to take steps to encourage Bangladeshis to take advantage of this opportunity to visit Bhutan.

Bhutan's bilateral relations with Bangladesh are excellent and increased trade will add a new dimension to the existing relationship between the two countries.

Bangladesh's commerce adviser also expressed gratitude, recalling that Bhutan was the first country to recognise Bangladesh after its independence in 1971.

Expanding trade with Bhutan would strengthen bilateral relations even further, said Bashir Uddin.

Regarding the signing of the FTA, the adviser said the trade deal would be given due consideration at the upcoming Bangladesh–Bhutan secretary-level meeting.

The commerce adviser also said he emphasised the importance of increased business visits and greater exchange of experience between business communities of the two countries.

He said Bangladesh now produces world-class medicines, ceramic products, readymade garments and construction materials.

He called upon the Bhutanese government to take advantage of the opportunity to increase trade by importing these products.​

 

[Saif]

Bhutan PM’s visit reaffirms enduring Dhaka-Thimphu ties: Joint statement

The visit of Bhutanese prime minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay to Bangladesh has reaffirmed the deep-rooted friendship and goodwill that have long shaped bilateral relations, according to a joint statement issued today during his ongoing three-day state visit to Bangladesh. Prime minister Tobgay...

en.prothomalo.com

Bhutan PM’s visit reaffirms enduring Dhaka-Thimphu ties: Joint statement
BSS Dhaka
Updated: 23 Nov 2025, 19: 34

Bhutanese prime minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay held a meeting with chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka on 22 November 2025 BSS

The visit of Bhutanese prime minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay to Bangladesh has reaffirmed the deep-rooted friendship and goodwill that have long shaped bilateral relations, according to a joint statement issued today during his ongoing three-day state visit to Bangladesh.

Prime minister Tobgay is visiting Bangladesh from 22 to 24 November at the invitation of chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus.

Upon arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the Bhutanese prime minister was received by the chief adviser and accorded a Guard of Honour and Gun Salute.

He later paid tribute to Bangladesh’s freedom fighters by laying a wreath at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar and planting a sapling on the premises.

Prime minister Tobgay also paid a courtesy call on president Mohammed Shahabuddin, while chief adviser Yunus hosted a state banquet in his honour on Friday.

Adviser for foreign affairs Md Touhid Hossain and adviser for commerce Sk Bashir Uddin separately called on the visiting prime minister.

The two leaders held official talks on 22 November in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the time-tested nature of Bangladesh–Bhutan ties.

They reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, with special focus on trade, connectivity, economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

Recalling that Bhutan was the first country to recognise Bangladesh on 6 December 1971, the chief adviser expressed deep gratitude for Bhutan’s steadfast support during the Liberation War.

Both sides also reflected on the visit of the King of Bhutan in March, 2024, which had bolstered bilateral cooperation.

Bangladesh and Bhutan underscored the need to enhance trade and private-sector collaboration. Prime Minister Tobgay held discussions with Bangladeshi business leaders to explore new opportunities in investment and commerce.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay today met with Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun at the InterContinental in Dhaka BSS

Dhaka appreciated the Bhutanese King’s vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City and reiterated its willingness to support the initiative.

Both sides noted positive progress of the Joint Working Group for developing the Bhutanese Special Economic Zone in Kurigram.

Bangladesh proposed supplying pharmaceutical products to Bhutan on a government-to-government basis, acknowledging that such cooperation would improve Bhutan’s access to affordable and high-quality medical supplies.

The leaders expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the Agreement on the Movement of Traffic-in-Transit, noting the completion of the trial run of goods from Chattogram Port to Burimari Land Port.

Prime minister Tobgay thanked Bangladesh for increasing the annual allocation of MBBS/BDS seats for Bhutanese students in public medical colleges to 30, following the King’s visit last year.

Both sides appreciated the ongoing cooperation in human resource development, connectivity, tourism and culture. In the presence of the two leaders, two Memoranda of Understanding were signed - MoU on Trade of International Internet Bandwidth and Other Telecommunication Services and MoU on Appointment of Health Workforce.

To further strengthen bilateral cooperation, Bangladesh offered 10 earmarked engineering seats annually for Bhutanese students at BUET, one dedicated seat at BKSP for a diploma in sports science, along with access to home-ground facilities for Bhutanese sports teams and specialised professional training programmes for Bhutanese experts.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation at bilateral, regional and sub-regional platforms including SAARC and BIMSTEC, based on shared values, mutual respect and common aspirations for peace and prosperity.

Prime minister Tobgay expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

He invited chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus to visit Bhutan at a mutually convenient time.

The prime minister is accompanied by Lyonpo DN Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment, and senior Bhutanese officials.​

 

[Saif]

Kurigram SEZ to link with Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City

Bhutanese PM sits with Bida, Beza executive chairman

www.thedailystar.net

Kurigram SEZ to link with Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City
Bhutanese PM sits with Bida, Beza executive chairman

Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay has underscored the importance of the special economic zone (SEZ) in the northern district of Kurigram, being developed under a government-to-government partnership.

The SEZ will be strategically connected to Bhutan's upcoming special administrative hub, Gelephu Mindfulness City, fostering seamless trade flows and industrial collaboration between the two nations, said a statement from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) today.

Google News LinkFor all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
At a meeting with the executive chairman of Bida and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza), Ashik Chowdhury, Tobgay emphasised the pivotal role of enhanced regional connectivity in unlocking trade and investment cooperation between Bhutan and Bangladesh.

Chowdhury reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to fast-tracking progress on the Kurigram Economic Zone to realise the full potential of the Kurigram–Gelephu linkage.

"Kurigram and Gelephu can become complementary engines of a shared economic future. Bangladesh offers scale, skilled labour, and connectivity to global markets. Bhutan brings the values of sustainability, innovation, and wellness. Together, we can anchor a new model of cross-border economic cooperation," he said.

Prime Minister Tobgay expressed Bhutan's interest in exploring opportunities for Bhutanese businesses within Bangladesh's financial sector.

He conveyed his intent to send a high-level Bhutanese business delegation to identify key sectors for trade and investment, with a particular focus on banking and financial services.

The Bangladeshi side highlighted the country's recent developments in regulatory and institutional reforms, along with its strategic push to become a regional investment hub through tax reforms, simpler repatriation, and more efficient ports.​