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.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday requested the Ambassador of Bhutan to consider re-joining the BBIN initiative, which would pave the way for sub-regional cooperation in connectivity. The Foreign Minister also proposed exploring import of 'Pragati Industries'-made Jeep from Bangladesh. Ambassador of Bhutan to Bangladesh Rinchen Kuentsyl met the Foreign Minister at his office and discussed the issues of mutual interest. Dhaka, Delhi agree on using non-lethal weapons to ensure zero border killing: FM Dr Hasan recalled the support from Bhutan from Bangladesh during the War of Liberation in 1971 and recognition to Bangladesh, on 6th December 1971, even before our final Victory on 16 December 1971. He noted that Bhutan has made inspiring progress in its socio-economic development under the able leadership of the Fourth and Fifth Kings. Dr Hasan expressed happiness on the existing relations with Bhutan. Cargo vessel movement between India's Maya and Rajshahi's Sultanganj begins He emphasized further collaboration between the two countries in the areas of power, trade and commerce, connectivity, education, agriculture, health and people-to-people contacts etc. The Foreign Minister stressed early signing of the MoU on power between Bangladesh and Bhutan as well as developing trilateral arrangement with India and Bhutan regarding generation and trading of power. The Bhutanese Ambassador congratulated Dr Hasan for his appointment as the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh.  The Bhutanese Ambassador expressed his deep appreciation for the importance Bangladesh places on the bilateral relationship. Swiss Ambassador holds ‘positive and constructive’ discussion with Foreign Minister He appreciated the wholehearted cooperation extended by Bangladesh, which is very much appreciated by the Government of Bhutan. He lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the development achieved under her guidance during the last 15 years. As a neighbor, Bhutan takes pride of Bangladesh’s recent achievements, he added. The Bhutanese Ambassador hoped that Bangladesh's continued development would pave the way for achieving the vision of "Sonar Bangla" soon, as envisioned by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Queen Mother Dorji Wanmgmo Wangchuckand and her Royal delegation of Bhutan made a stopover in Dhaka on Friday. UN wants full investigation into arson attack on train that killed 4 including mother and child Naheed Ezaher Khan, MP and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen received Queen Mother Dorji Wanmgmo Wangchuckand and her Royal delegation of Bhutan during their transit at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. 140 more Bangladeshis return home from Libya

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has invited Bhutan to build an economic zone in Bangladesh for mutual benefits of the two neighbouring countries. “We’re establishing economic zones in Bangladesh. You can build an economic zone in our country which will be known as Bhutan Economic Zone,” she said. The premier made the offer when Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema met her on Saturday at the Claridge Hotel where she is staying during her UK visit. Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana received the Bhutanese king and the queen on their arrival at the hotel. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen briefed the reporters after the  meeting that lasted 50 minutes. Hasina informed the Bhutanese king that Bangladesh has already given economic zones to India, Japan and South Korea. “If you want, we can give you an economic zone in Kurigram,” she said. Hasina made the offer as the Bhutanese king said he wanted to build an administrative economic zone in his country keeping the environment unharmed.     The PM said that Bangladesh has been developing communication with neighbours in every way, including railways. Read more: Bangladesh's role in Bhutan’s socio-economic dev immense: Envoy “Bangladesh is a connectivity hub. Bhutan can use Bangladesh’s two ports and the Syedpur International Airport as we make those open for this purpose,” she said. The Bhutanese royals highly praised the economic advancement of Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of Hasina, said Momen. The king expressed his desire to get his Himalayan nation's direct transit through Bangladesh and another one through India. The Bangladesh prime minister welcomed the Bhutanese eagerness, saying, “If necessary, we will talk to India over the matter.” The Bhutanese monarch said his country’s prime minister and foreign minister have a special attachment with Bangladesh as both of them studied in Bangladesh. He said both Bhutanese leaders have wanted to visit Bangladesh privately. Welcoming it, Hasina said, “My door is open for you people.” They discussed various family matters as the Bhutanese king and the queen consider the prime minister as their maternal aunt,  Momen said. PM’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, PM’s Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, PM’s Speechwriter M Nazrul Islam and Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida  Muna Tasneem were present at the meeting. Read more: Bangladesh, Bhutan sign agreement on movement of traffic in transit

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid has sought "visible Indian cooperation" for importing hydropower from Nepal and Bhutan. He joined a bilateral meeting on electricity cooperation between Bangladesh and India in New Delhi on Wednesday.   At the meeting, Nasrul headed the Bangladesh delegation and Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy Raj Kumar Singh led the Indian side, the Power Division said in a statement. Indian private companies' interest in exporting renewable energy to Bangladesh was also discussed at the meeting. Nasrul talked about the growth of Bangladesh's power sector and said the demand for electricity is increasing continuously in the country. Read more: Bangladesh trying to import 500 MW hydro-electricity from Nepal: Power Cell DG "If electricity can be imported from Assam, uninterrupted supply to northern Bangladesh can be ensured. Although we import 1,160MW of electricity from India, we want to import more," he said. Raj Kumar said India can supply more electricity to the northern part of Bangladesh. Assuring cooperation regarding electricity import from Nepal, he said: "We can move forward together for the development of Bangladesh's electricity sector." The issues discussed today may be further examined and decided at the next Joint Steering Committee, he added. Read more: Bangladesh offers to export electricity to Nepal during winter and import in summer

Ambassador of Bangladesh to Bhutan Shib Nath Roy on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban in the evening. President's press secretary Md Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting. During the meeting, the envoy sought the President's directives and overall cooperation in carrying out his assignment in Bhutan. Read more: “We very much value and welcome tourists from Bangladesh” Mentioning the excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Bhutan, the president asked the newly appointed Bangladesh ambassador to further strengthen these ties in the coming days. President Secretary Sampad Barua, Military Secretary Major General SM Salahuddin Islam, Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin and Secretary (attached) Md Wahidul Islam Khan were also present. Read more: Bangladesh's role in Bhutan’s socio-economic dev immense: Envoy

Acting Bhutanese Ambassador in Dhaka Sherab Dorji has invited Bangladeshi tourists to enjoy the best of the experiences and bring back full of beautiful memories after visiting Bhutan. “We very much value and welcome tourists from Bangladesh and other countries. We are confident that every visitor will enjoy the best of the experiences and bring back full of beautiful memories after visiting Bhutan,” he said. Announcing on Friday night that Bhutan is formally reopened for tourists to visit, the diplomat said with its raised Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) Bhutan believes that it will put them in good stead to mitigate climate change and maintain carbon-neutral tourism which will not only benefit Bhutan, but also the world as a whole. “As the Covid-19 situation around the world improved and with high coverage of vaccination in the country, the Royal government of Bhutan now feels confident,” he said.  Read: Bhutan Travel Guide: Best places to visit, interesting things to do Explaining why the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is being raised from US$ 65 to US$ 200, the diplomat said Bhutan introduced SDF of US$ 65 in 1991 and an increase in SDF was due a long time back. Secondly, he said, Bhutan is a carbon neutral country and the country also sequesters 9.4 million tons of carbon against its emission capacity of 3.8 million tons. “With climate change, it is imperative that Bhutan continues to conserve its environment,” said Sherab, also the Head of Chancery of the Royal Bhutanese Embassy. Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Md. Mokammel Hossain spoke as the chief guest while BIMSTEC Secretary General Tenzin Lekphell attended as special guest at the event held in a city hotel marking reopening of tourism of the Kingdom of Bhutan. President of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh Shiblul Azam Koreshi was also present. Read: Bangladesh's role in Bhutan’s socio-economic dev immense: Envoy The Bhutanese envoy said Bhutan will endeavour to provide authentic experiences supported by world class services and personal care to the tourists.   He said tourism has been and will continue to be an important economic sector for Bhutan. “However, the renewed vision for the tourism sector consciously and deliberately places considerations for Bhutan's future and its future generation at the forefront.”