United News of Bangladesh

ICIMOD Director General Dr Pema Gyamtsho said on Wednesday that by focusing on the knowledge, leadership and priorities of women and indigenous people in Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, they are not only boosting climate resilience but also giving more power to those who have long protected mountain ecosystems.  “As implementation begins, I am reminded that meaningful climate action is not only about technologies or policies, but about people, equity, and dignity,” he said, reflecting not only on what the ICIMOD has achieved but also on what this year has meant to him personally. By working closely with national partners in all three countries, HI-CAS is laying the foundation for integrated, ecosystem-based adaptation solutions that respond to local realities and ensure that those most affected by climate change are at the centre of adaptation planning and action, Dr Pema said. “What gives me confidence is HI-CAS’s clear focus on locally led, gender-responsive adaptation,” he said in a message. In 2025, ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development) began implementation of the Integrated Climate Adaptation Solutions for the Hindu Kush Himalaya Region (HI-CAS) project, a multi-country initiative focused on strengthening climate adaptation for women and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities across Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. In 2025, ICIMOD further strengthened its partnership with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) through a GBIF-Capacity Enhancement Support Programme (CESP)-supported capacity-building programme that enhanced institutional capabilities for biodiversity data management across the HKH. Working with national institutions in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, partners published 20 biodiversity datasets using the regional open-access infrastructure, the Hindu Kush Himalayan Biodiversity Information Facility (HKHBIF), hosted by ICIMOD. The Third Regional Science, Policy, and Finance Dialogue on Air Quality Management in the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Himalayan Foothills took place in Paro, Bhutan, in December 2025 and brought key partners from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan to discuss on developing a voluntary collaborative platform and talk about the factors required to make regional collaboration for air quality management a success. The project ‘Reducing air pollution by creative use of pelletisation’ was a three-year initiative implemented from September 2023 to September 2026, funded by the United States Department of State, Dr Pema said. The project focused on Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, and aimed to address severe regional air pollution linked to agricultural residue burning. The proposed pilot unit was designed as a demonstration facility to showcase the technical, economic, and environmental viability of converting agricultural residues into clean energy products. Dr Pema said it was also expected to generate practical evidence on operational performance, supply-chain linkages with farmers, and emission reduction benefits, thereby supporting knowledge exchange and facilitating replication of the model in countries such as Bangladesh and Pakistan. ICIMOD chief hails SANDEE’s 25 years of shaping South Asia’s environmental economics The Green Alliance for Women’s Economic Security in the HKH was a 24-month regional initiative awarded to ICIMOD by the US Embassy in Nepal to strengthen women’s entrepreneurship across Bangladesh, India and Nepal. The project aimed to support 60 young women entrepreneurs through small grants, business incubation, mentorship, and the establishment of a regional alliance of incubators to promote inclusive, resilient and sustainable enterprises.

The government of Bangladesh will now continue to extend the ‘visa-on-arrival’ facility to all eligible countries, including Bhutan. Pursuant to the earlier notification regarding the ‘suspension’ of the ‘visa-on-arrival’ facility by the government of Bangladesh from Jan 15 to Feb 15, the Bhutanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade on Wednesday informed the public that Bangladesh’s Embassy in Thimphu has conveyed that the Bangladesh government will now continue to extend the ‘visa-on-arrival’ facility to all eligible countries, including Bhutan. Read more: Bangladeshis granted B1/B2 US visas to face up to $15,000 bond from Jan 21 Accordingly, Bhutanese passport holders travelling to Bangladesh may continue to avail themselves of the ‘Visa-on-arrival’ facility. All travellers are required to carry details of accommodation in Bangladesh and a return air ticket, according to a notification issued by the Bhutanese Ministry. Election observers, as well as military and security personnel travelling to Bangladesh, are required to contact the Embassy of Bangladesh in Thimphu to complete the necessary formalities prior to travel. The Bhutanese Ministry advises all travellers to take note of this update and make the necessary arrangements well in advance to avoid any inconvenience. Bangladesh issues special visa guidelines ahead of national election  “We are not stopping the issuance of visas. Those who wish to come may apply for visas, and we will issue them as long as their purpose is valid,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 14.  “You know, during the election period, there may be attempts to create unexpected situations. Some unwanted individuals may try to enter the country suddenly,” he said.

The government of Bangladesh has suspended the “Visa on Arrival” facility for Bhutan, with effect from January 15 to February 15, 2026. The Bhutanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, in a formal notification, informed the general public that the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Thimphu has officially conveyed that. In view of this, all Bhutanese nationals intending to travel to Bangladesh during the above period are advised to apply for a visa in advance through the Embassy of Bangladesh in Thimphu prior to their travel, the notification reads. The Bhutanese Ministry advised all travellers to take note of this change and make necessary arrangements well in advance to avoid any inconvenience

The Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, has expressed strong interest in signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh and linking the two countries’ economic zones to boost trade and investment. Prime Minister Tobgay made the proposal during a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the United Nations headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly. During the talks on Friday, Prime Minister Tobgay said both countries could greatly benefit if Bhutan’s Special Economic Zone, Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), is connected with the Special Economic Zone in Kurigram that Bangladesh has officially allocated for Bhutanese investors. Chief Adviser Professor Yunus welcomed the proposals, stressing that both countries should explore all avenues to expand trade and investment. “Bangladesh and Bhutan can take their bilateral relations to a new level through improved connectivity, trade and investment,” Professor Yunus said. Albania seeks Bangladeshi workers amid growing economy Prime Minister Tobgay also highlighted Bhutan’s plans to promote religious tourism, noting that Buddhist monks from Bangladesh spread the faith in their country. He said Bhutan is eager to share its hydroelectric potential and is ready to welcome investment from Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical companies. He also sought Bangladesh’s support to set up fiber optic connectivity in Bhutan. The two leaders also discussed the Rohingya crisis, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. The Bhutanese Prime Minister confirmed that Bhutan would join the upcoming UN organised plenary session on the Rohingya issue in New York on September 30. Prof Yunus seeks Dutch cooperation in water management, ocean research Praising Professor Yunus’ leadership, Prime Minister Tobgay remarked that Bangladesh is in “good hands” under his stewardship. Referring to Professor Yunus as his “role model,” he warmly hailed him as “My Professor.” He also commended the design of Bangladesh’s new chancery building in Thimphu, inaugurated on September 9, which was built with the theme “Bay of Bengal at the Foothills of the Himalayas.” Prof Yunus invited Prime Minister Tobgay to visit Bangladesh. The Bhutanese leader accepted, suggesting he might undertake the visit before Bangladesh’s planned general elections in February next.  

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday held a meeting with Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit and they stressed increased trade and connectivity between the two South Asian neighbours. The two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest. The chief adviser urged PM Tshering to send a delegation of Bhutanese investors to the Investment summit in Dhaka next week, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. They also discussed the latest development regarding the dedicated economic zone Bangladesh has earmarked for Bhutan in the northern Kurigram district. Tshering said Bhutanese investors would invest in fruit processing and other factories in the economic zone and export the products to the countries in the region. Bangladesh seeks Sri Lanka's support to bring back stolen money The Bhutanese prime minister also sought a dedicated fibre optic Internet connection from Bangladesh. The chief adviser assured all his cooperation in this regard. He said Dhaka was willing to provide more educational opportunities for Bhutanese students, especially for medical school graduates. The Bhutanese leader congratulated the Bangladesh chief adviser on assuming the chairmanship of BIMSTEC. He hoped the Bay of Bengal-focused regional grouping would see a new dynamism with the leadership of Bangladesh. Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin were also present during the meeting.

Bhutan is keen on joint venture investment with Bangladesh to harness the hydropower potentials of the Himalayan kingdom, its ambassador to Bangladesh Rinchen Kuentsyl said on Tuesday. Bhutan has also moved to sign an agreement with Bangladesh's submarine cable company to get an alternative internet connection from Dhaka, he said. The ambassador paid a farewell call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka and discussed the issues of mutual interest. The ambassador said during his four-year-long stay in Dhaka, the relationship between the two countries deepened, with both nations exploring new avenues to boost ties. Beijing ready to sign hydrological info exchange plan with Dhaka: Ambassador Ambassador Kurntsyl said the work on the exclusive Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for Bhutanese investors in the northern district of Kurigram was progressing fast and it would create jobs for thousands of people. "We look forward to operationalising it very soon," he said, adding Bhutanese investors would produce goods for Bhutan and international markets. During the meeting, they also discussed issues of mutual interest, including growing educational ties between the two South Asian nations. Bangladesh, Nepal discuss cooperation in trade, commerce, hydropower sectors Professor Yunus thanked the ambassador for his efforts to bring two countries closer and for being a "good friend" of Bangladesh.

Sharing an idea of greater electricity connectivity in the region, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday called for creating a South Asian grid to share the hydroelectricity generated by Nepal and Bhutan. "Bangladesh can easily bring hydroelectricity from Nepal as it is only 40 miles from Bangladesh. Nepalese hydroelectricity will also be cheap," Professor Yunus said, adding Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan should think of creating a South Asian grid. In a meeting with the Social Business Group on the sidelines of the climate conference in Baku, he said much of the hydroelectricity potentials of the Himalayan nations remain untapped due to a lack of electricity grids connecting Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Nepal officials have said the country has the potential to generate 40,000 megawatts of hydroelectricity, which can help lessen the reliance on fossil fuels in bigger countries such as India and Bangladesh. The Chief Adviser, who has joined the COP29 climate conference in the Azerbaijan capital, said Bangladesh has put the highest priority on water management to prevent floods and to make the best use of water to boost the country's economic growth. "Water is our main environmental issue. We have to do water management in a way that it supports nature," Prof Yunus said.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday stressed the need for the enhanced trade and economic cooperation between the two "very friendly" countries – Bangladesh and Bhutan. "We would like to see our relations go strong," the Chief Adviser said when Ambassador of Bhutan to Bangladesh Rinchen Kuentsyl paid a courtesy call on him at the State guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka. Ways to enhance trade between the two countries, Special Economic Zone for Bhutan in Bangladesh, renewable energy, other areas of mutual interests and Bengal's influence in Buddhism in the Himalayan Kingdom were discussed during the meeting, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. The Bhutanese envoy appreciated the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) signed between the two countries in 2020, saying Bangladesh is the only country with whom Bhutan enjoys a trade surplus. He called for inclusion of more products in the PTA as there is a huge scope for increased trade between the countries. Read: Chief Adviser seeks Danish support for labour reforms, mangroves The Ambassador also appreciated the MoU on establishing Bhutanese Special Economic Zone in Kurigram. Bhutan has already formed a Working Group as per the MoU, he added. Ambassador Kuentsyl also described how Bangladeshi Buddhist monks and scholars preached Buddhism in Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. He spoke about Shantarakshita, an eighth century monk who was an ancestor of Atish Dipankar, the 10th century monk who revived Buddhism in Tibet. Both were born in modern Munshiganj district of Bangladesh. He said as early as the 15th century, Vanaratna, who was also born in Bangladesh, visited Bhutan and set up a statue of Buddha and a monastery there. He is still revered by the people of the Kingdom. Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary and principal coordinator of SDG affairs, and Ishrat Jahan, a Director General of the foreign ministry, were also present during the meeting.

Bangladesh and Bhutan on Monday (March 25, 2024) signed three new memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to enhance mutual cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. The MoUs are: Establishment of a Special Economic Zone in Kurigram, Setting up a Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit in Thimphu, and technical cooperation on consumer rights. Another MoU on cultural exchange was renewed. Japan extends Tk 33.5 million to 2 grassroots human security projects Health Minister Smanta Lal Sen, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Shaikh Yusuf Harun, Directorate of National Consumers' Right Protection Director General (Additional Secretary) A.H.M. Shafiquzzaman and Cultural Affairs Secretary Khalil Ahmed signed the MoUs from Bangladesh side. Bhutanese Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk, Bhutanese Commerce Secretary Tashi Wangmk and Bhutanese Foreign Secretary Pema Choden signed the MoUs on behalf of their country. Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina witnessed the MoU signing agreement held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Besides, Bangladesh offered to increase the number of annual medical seats for Bhutanese students from 22 to 30 while the foreign service academy of Bangladesh offered two seats for the Bhutanese foreign service officers every year for capacity building.  Bangladesh will also extend necessary assistance in setting up a Diplomatic Training Institute in Bhutan. Apart from this,  Bangladesh offered special training to Bhutanese officials in Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) annually for three years. Sweden will remain a steadfast partner to Bangladesh: Minister Johan Forssell As a special gesture of goodwill and friendship, Bangladesh handed over computers and laptops for the capacity building and skills development of the government officials of Bhutan. Earlier, on his arrival, the Bhutanese King was received by the Prime Minister at her office. The Bhutanese King held a delegation-level meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina prior to the MoU signing ceremony. They will also had a one-to-one meeting. S Korea highlights importance of Economic Partnership Agreement with Bangladesh

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said Bangladesh will allocate 190 acres of land in Kurigram for a special economic zone for Bhutanese investors. He said Bangladesh wants to import hydropower from Bhutan and a tripartite agreement is required to bring the electricity through India. "We are in discussion to that end," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. He said Bhutan has a potential of producing 25,000 megawatts of hydropower. The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh will also import hydropower from Nepal and things are settled regarding that initiative. Hasan said Bangladesh will construct a Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit in Thimphu as a goodwill gesture which also demonstrates the country’s capacity. He also briefed about the visit of the Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Three new MoUs will be signed between Bangladesh and Bhutan while another MoU on cultural exchange will be renewed, said the Foreign Minister. The new MoUs will be on establishing a Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit in Thimphu, Specialized Economic Zone in Kurigram and technological cooperation consumers’ rights protection.   The King, along with Bhutanese Foreign, Health, Industry and Commerce Ministers and the Bhutanese Queen, is scheduled to arrive on Monday morning on a four-day visit demonstrating the strong relations that Bangladesh and Bhutan have developed steadily since 1971. "We have multifaceted relations with Bhutan," Minister Hasan said, adding that there is scope for boosting trade through transit and signing preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Bhutan.   President Mohammed Shahabuddin and the First Lady will receive the King amid gun salute and guard of honour. The King is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10 am on Monday by a special flight, a senior official told UNB. This is going to be the first VVIP visit to Bangladesh after the formation of new government following January 7 national election. After the ceremony at the airport, he will go to Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 to pay tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. On Monday afternoon, the Bhutanese King will have a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office. They will have a one-to-one meeting. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud will meet the King at his place of residence the same day before the meeting with the Prime Minister. On Tuesday, the King will visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar. The King will also visit Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. He will visit Bangabhaban where he will be received by the president and the first lady. The King will have a meeting with the president at 4:30 pm on Tuesday. The president will host iftar and dinner in honour of the visiting royal. On Wednesday morning, the Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck and selected Bhutanese delegation members will leave Bangladesh for Bhutan by a special flight. Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Rehana and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen will see them off at the airport. The Bhutanese King will visit Padma Bridge and Bangladesh Special Economic Zone in Araihazar, Narayanganj. On Thursday, the King will visit Kurigram Special Economic Zone. He will leave Bangladesh territory for Golakganj, Assam via Sonahat Land Port on Thursday afternoon. Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, state minister for shipping, will see him off there. The 4th King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, sent a letter of congratulations to the prime minister recently saying under her dynamic and strong leadership, Bangladesh has enjoyed peace, stability and unprecedented economic development. He also termed Bhutan as a "close friend" and rejoiced with the people of Bangladesh on this occasion. Bhutan was the first country to recognise the newly independent Bangladesh on December 6 in 1971 when the 3rd King of Bhutan sent a message of recognition by telegram. Since then Bangladesh and Bhutan share a special multidimensional bilateral relationship. Immediately after the independence, the Bhutanese government took initiative to establish diplomatic relations with Bangladesh and, consequently, formal diplomatic relations was established on 12 April 1973.