Dhaka, Thimphu to Build Future Together: CA Tells Bhutan PM

Chief Adviser to the Interim Government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, held a bilateral meeting with visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, emphasizing that the two nations are bound by geography and must shape their destinies together.

The meeting took place on Saturday (November 22) at the Chief Adviser's Office in Tejgaon. The discussions covered a wide array of bilateral interests, including trade, energy, education, tourism, internet cooperation, transport, healthcare, environment, water resources, investment, and aviation.

According to Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Prime Minister Tobgay arrived at the Chief Adviser's office at 3:15 PM. The leaders held a 30-minute private discussion followed by an hour-long official bilateral meeting.

Strengthening Regional Ties Dr. Yunus described Bhutan as a vital friend to Bangladesh, noting its importance in the country's vision for regional trade and economic cooperation. "We must build our future together. Geography and nature have bound us in a single thread. Our destiny is to construct the future together," Dr. Yunus said, recalling the historic ties between the two nations.

In response, Prime Minister Tobgay termed the relationship "warm and excellent." He acknowledged the historical contribution of Bengal, noting that Buddhism spread to the Himalayan region, including Bhutan, through monks from this region in the medieval period.

"Deeper trade and economic cooperation are essential for achieving prosperity. If we are to prosper, we must prosper together," the Bhutanese Prime Minister remarked.

Trade and Connectivity The two nations discussed plans for formal negotiations on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA). While a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) was signed in 2020, Prime Minister Tobgay expressed Bhutan’s keen interest in signing an FTA as soon as possible, hoping Bhutan would be the first country to do so with Bangladesh.

Dr. Yunus emphasized the importance of facilitating the transport of Bhutanese goods and directed officials to ensure the swift clearance of Bhutanese containers. Tobgay also requested land allocation in Narayanganj for the loading and unloading of Bhutanese cargo.

MoUs Signed: Health and Internet Following the meeting, Bangladesh and Bhutan signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on health service cooperation and international internet bandwidth trade, witnessed by both leaders.

Under the internet agreement, Bhutan will import bandwidth from Bangladesh. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that this would strengthen Bhutan's digital connectivity and help bridge the digital divide. regarding health, Dr. Yunus hoped the agreement would create opportunities for Bangladeshi doctors to work in Bhutan, particularly in the upcoming "Gelephu Mindfulness City."

Education and Energy Bangladesh announced an increase in medical college seats for Bhutanese students and allocated seats at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). Prime Minister Tobgay noted that many of Bhutan's top physicians are alumni of Bangladeshi medical colleges.

Dr. Yunus also highlighted a project in Nilphamari where Bangladesh is constructing a 1,000-bed hospital and a medical college, inviting Bhutanese citizens to avail themselves of healthcare and education services there.

On energy, the leaders discussed the potential of importing hydroelectricity from Bhutan, suggesting a trilateral agreement involving India to facilitate the process.

Future Collaboration Prime Minister Tobgay sought Bangladesh’s cooperation for the "Gelephu Mindfulness City," a major economic zone project in Bhutan.

Dr. Yunus praised Bhutan's status as the world's first carbon-negative country, stating that this experience is vital for climate-vulnerable Bangladesh. He reiterated that building a long-term joint future with all neighbors is a key priority for the Interim Government.

Attendees The meeting was attended by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, Home Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Special Assistant on Health Saidur Rahman, and Special Assistant on ICT Foyez Ahmed Tayyeb.