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

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Bangladesh, Bhutan eye stronger ties thru energy, trade

Bangladesh and Bhutan have expressed keen interest in deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in renewable energy and trade, to unlock untapped economic potential of the South Asian region...

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Bangladesh, Bhutan eye stronger ties thru energy, trade
Staff Correspondent 28 April, 2026, 22:33

Bangladesh and Bhutan have expressed keen interest in deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in renewable energy and trade, to unlock untapped economic potential of the South Asian region.

The topic was discussed during a meeting between commerce minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and Bhutanese ambassador to Bangladesh Dasho Karma Hamu Dorji at the Secretariat on Tuesday, according to a ministry press release.

During the meeting, the commerce minister stressed the need to enhance intra-regional trade, noting that despite significant economic potential, South Asia remained one of the least integrated regions globally in terms of trade. Bangladeshbusiness insights

He said that intra-regional trade accounted for only a small fraction of the region’s total trade, underscoring the urgency of strengthening economic ties among neighboring countries.

‘Despite South Asia’s combined GDP standing at around $59 trillion, intra-regional trade accounts for only about 1 per cent — far below its potential. In this context, strengthening trade ties among neighbouring countries has become essential,’ he added.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s commitment to regional connectivity and cooperation, Muktadir proposed exploring joint initiatives in energy sector, particularly renewables.

He suggested establishing joint-venture hydroelectric projects and expanding solar energy cooperation, leveraging Bhutan’s hydropower potential and the two countries’ geographical proximity.

The Bhutanese ambassador welcomed the proposals and expressed her country’s interest in enhancing collaboration in energy and trade.

She noted that Bhutan’s border lies in close proximity to Bangladesh’s Burimari land port, making bilateral trade and connectivity both convenient and cost-effective.

Dorji also highlighted the longstanding people-to-people ties between the two nations, particularly in the education sector, where Bhutanese students pursued medical studies in Bangladesh, fostering mutual trust and cooperation.

Commerce ministry additional secretary (FTA) Ayesha Akter and Bhutan’s minister counsellor (trade) Dawa Tshering were also present at the meeting.

Both sides expressed optimism that enhanced cooperation, particularly in renewable energy and trade, would contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration, the release added.​

 

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Bhutanese King makes brief stopover at HSIA, meets President

Bangladesh is keen to cooperate with Bhutan to advance transformative initiatives in the region aimed at mutual welfare, prosperity and sustainable development. President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said this on Thursday while paying a courtesy call on Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

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Bhutanese King makes brief stopover at HSIA, meets President

Bangladesh is keen to cooperate with Bhutan to advance transformative initiatives in the region aimed at mutual welfare, prosperity and sustainable development.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said this on Thursday while paying a courtesy call on Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at the VVIP lounge of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka.

The meeting took place during the Bhutanese King's one-hour stopover at HSIA early morning.

During the meeting, they discussed various issues of mutual interest.

The President invited the Bhutanese King and members of the royal family to pay a state visit to Bangladesh at their convenience.

In response, the Bhutanese King invited the President and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit Bhutan at their convenience.

The King conveyed his sincere congratulations and best wishes to Mirza Fakhrul on assuming office as President.

The President also conveyed warm greetings to the King of Bhutan and members of the royal family on behalf of the people and government of Bangladesh.

Noting the historic tie between the two countries, the President said, “Bhutan always holds a special place in our hearts because Bhutan was the first country in the world to recognise Bangladesh on December 6, 1971.”

The President also highlighted the special affection and deep respect that the current King’s father, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, has shown towards Bangladesh.

At the meeting, the Bhutanese King stressed further enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields, including education, trade and investment.

The Bhutanese King also briefed the President on the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project and sought Bangladesh’s participation and cooperation in the initiative.

Expressing interest in the project, the President assured the King of Bangladesh's support and cooperation in advancing the initiative for mutual welfare, prosperity and sustainable development.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Bhutan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh and senior officials of the Bangladesh government were present during the meeting.

The special aircraft carrying the Bhutanese King from Singapore left Dhaka for Bhutan at around 6:30 am.​