Historic Relationship
Bangladesh and Bhutan share historically warm and friendly ties. The historic relationship started on 6 December 1971 when Bhutan, as the first country, recognized Bangladesh as a sovereign independent country. The strong foundations of excellent bilateral relations between the two countries were laid by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Since then Bangladesh and Bhutan share historically warm and friendly ties.
Recent Impetus in Bilateral Relations
Over the past decade, Bangladesh-Bhutan relationship has seen a remarkable dynamism featuring a number of high-level exchange of visits. The prospect of enhancing Bangladesh’s engagement with Bhutan both bilaterally and in the sub-regional context has received fresh impetus following the landmark visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bhutan in January 2009. Hon’ble Prime Minister’s emphasis to prioritize regional development seeking collaboration among Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and the Northeast of India, became crucial not only for transit and connectivity related matters, but also in areas that are critical to the future development of the region, namely, power, water resource management, trade and investment, education, human resources development, science and technology, agriculture, food security, climate change, tourism and people-to-people contact.
Keeping inter-alia sub-regional perspective in view, the Hon’ble Prime Minister H.E. Sheikh Hasina once again visited Bhutan on 18-20 April 2017. In the meanwhile, His Majesty the King of Bhutan visited Bangladesh twice, in March 2011 and then again in February 2013. The Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan visited Bangladesh in January 2011 in his capacity as the SAARC chairperson. During his meeting with the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the two leaders took a number of decisions that infused further dynamism into our bilateral relations. Hon’ble Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan paid an official visit to Bangladesh on 06-08 December 2014. The Speakers of both Houses of the Bhutanese Parliament visited to Bangladesh in December 2015 and January 2016, and had fruitful exchanges with the Hon’ble Speaker and the parliamentarians of Bangladesh. The President of the Bhutan Youth Development Fund (YDF), Her Majesty the Queen Mother Tshering Pem Wangchuck also paid a visit to Bangladesh on 14-18 March 2016.
Hon’ble Foreign Minister of Bangladesh visited Bhutan on 12-14 May 2016 and Hon’ble Foreign Minister of Bhutan visited Bangladesh on 22-24 April 2016. Among other visits, notable are the visits of Hon’ble Economic Affairs Minister of Bhutan to Bangladesh from 27 October-01 November 2015 and Hon’ble State Minister for Power, Energy & Mineral Resources of Bangladesh from 07-09 August 2015 at the invitation of their respective counterparts. Through these visits, a broad understanding has been reached by the two countries to cooperate in a multitude of areas including connectivity, transit, trade, power, water resources management etc. This has opened up the scope for exploring synergies among the four countries (Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Bhutan) of the sub-region in various ways, which may be taken up by the three countries either bilaterally or in a multilateral context like SAARC and BIMSTEC or in the sub-regional context such as BBIN. These and other high level exchanges at the Ministerial level have enabled both the countries to understand each other’s views and identify areas in the existing cooperation which needs further focus to fully harness the potentials and to explore new areas where both countries can work together for mutual benefit.
Foreign Office Consultations
For expeditious implementation of the decisions taken at the highest political level, an MoU on Bangladesh-Bhutan Foreign Office Consultations was signed on 01 April 2013 by the two Foreign Secretaries. The 1st Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) took place on 02 April 2013 in Dhaka under the aegis of the said MoU. The 2nd FOC was held in Dhaka on 19 March 2019. The entire gamut of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Bhutan was discussed in the meeting. The FOC also discussed various aspects of the upcoming State Visit of Bhutanese Prime Minister to Bangladesh from 12-15 April 2019.
Visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan to Bangladesh in 2019
At the invitation of the Hon’ble Prime Minister H.E. Sheikh Hasina, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering paid a State Visit to Bangladesh from 12-15 April 2019, coinciding with the celebration of the Bangla New Year Pohela Boishakh. The Prime Minister of Bhutan was accompanied by his spouse Dr. Ugyen Dema, the Foreign Minister, the Health Minister, other senior government officials of Bhutan, and a business delegation. H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering was received by H.E. Sheikh Hasina, Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh, on arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, and was presented with a Guard of Honour and 19 Gun Salute. The Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan laid a wreath at the National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar as a mark of respect to the memory of the sacrifices of the great freedom fighters of Bangladesh. He also paid tribute to the memory of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum. H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Md. Abdul Hamid, Hon’ble President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh hosted a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary and the accompanying delegation. Hon’ble Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, MP paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Bhutan. Hon’ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Hon’ble Minister for Commerce and Hon’ble Minister for Shipping of Bangladesh paid respective courtesy calls on the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan. The official talks between Bangladesh and Bhutan, led by the two Prime Ministers, were held on 13 April 2019. The Prime Minister of Bhutan and the delegation joined the people of Bangladesh in the celebration of Pohela Boishakh, the Bangla New Year, on 14 April 2019. H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering visited the Mymensingh Medical College, the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the BIMSTEC Secretariat.
During this visit, in the presence of the two Prime Ministers, the following MoUs were signed:
a. MoU between Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), Ministry of Agriculture of Bangladesh and the Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests of Bhutan (MoAF)
b. MoU between Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC) and Royal Institute for Management (RIM) of Bhutan
c. MoU between Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation and Tourism Council of Bhutan
d. MoU between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan
e. SOP for the operationalization of the MoU on Use of Inland Waterways for Transportation of Bilateral Trade and Transit Cargoes between the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Royal Government of Bhutan
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan visited Bangladesh to celebrate the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence
Hon’ble Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering paid a State Visit to Bangladesh from 23-25 March 2021 as the Special Representative of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, King of Bhutan, to celebrate the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence. He was accompanied by senior officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan and a cultural delegation. The visit of H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering to Bangladesh at a time of the global pandemic is an exceptional gesture of friendship and goodwill that so happily exist between the two countries.
H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering delivered the Bangabandhu Memorial Lecture at the National Parade Ground as a Special Guest at the programme organized to celebrate the Birth Centenary of Bangabandhu.
The official discussions between Bangladesh and Bhutan were held at the Prime Minister’s Office on 24 March 2021 in a warm and cordial atmosphere reflecting the time-tested friendship between the two countries. The two Prime Ministers recognized with deep satisfaction the manner in which the historic ties between Bhutan and Bangladesh have evolved over the years into a mutually beneficial relationship. They stated that the kinship, which is based on goodwill, friendship and understanding, is an example of good neighborliness, mutual respect, and cooperation. Taking note of the challenges imposed by the ongoing pandemic, the two Prime Ministers congratulated each other for successful, effective, and timely initiatives taken by the respective governments. H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Government of Bangladesh for the support rendered to Bhutan during the pandemic, including the provision of medical supplies. The two Prime Ministers expressed happiness that both Bhutan and Bangladesh are well on track to graduate from the club of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in 2023 and 2024 respectively despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the recent signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). They, however, noted that bilateral trade has been severely affected by the pandemic and that all-out efforts must be made to overcome the setbacks. In this regard, the two Prime Ministers emphasized holding the Commerce Secretary Level Meeting (CSLM) and Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) as soon as possible, and amend the SOP on the use of inland waterways, and finalize the Protocol to the Transit Agreement on a priority basis. The two leaders emphasized the need for enhanced private sector cooperation, for which the Chambers of Commerce should come up with innovative ways of doing business. They also encouraged importers and exporters of Bangladesh and Bhutan to use the riverine route for the transport of goods as a viable alternative to road links. The Prime Ministers noted the substantial progress made in the past towards signing an MOU among Bangladesh, Bhutan and India on trilateral cooperation in hydro-electricity. In order to move forward, they agreed that a Secretary-level meeting among the three countries should take place at an early date. They also decided to explore the possibility of bilateral cooperation in this sector. H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering thanked the Government of Bangladesh for its support toward the establishment of the Third International Internet Gateway and Bhutan’s proposal to purchase bandwidth from Bangladesh, which will ensure the reliability of internet and communications for Bhutan. The discussions between the concerned agencies of the two governments are at an advanced stage and he expressed the hope that the two sides will soon be able to agree on a rate that is mutually acceptable. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh viewed that regional connectivity is one of the most important means of trade and that Bangladesh’s unique geographical location in the region provides an opportunity for all countries in the SAARC, BIMSTEC and BCIM to be connected by road. She reiterated the offer to Bhutan for full access to Bangladesh’s seaports. The two Prime Ministers agreed to explore the possibilities of rail connectivity between Bangladesh and Bhutan through the recently inaugurated Chilahati-Haldibari rail inter-link between Bangladesh and India.
Joint Statement between Bangladesh and Bhutan on the occasion of the visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan, to Bangladesh in March 2021
March 24, 2021
1. Hon’ble Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering paid a State Visit to Bangladesh from 23-25 March 2021 as the Special Representative of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, King of Bhutan, to celebrate the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence. He was accompanied by senior officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan and a cultural delegation.
2. The visit of H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering to Bangladesh at a time of the global pandemic is an exceptional gesture of friendship and goodwill that so happily exist between the two countries.
3. On arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering was received by H.E. Sheikh Hasina, Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh. He was presented a Guard of Honour and greeted by members of the cabinet and senior officials of the Government.
4. H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering laid a floral wreath at the National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar as a mark of respect to the memory of the sacrifices of the great freedom fighters of Bangladesh. He also visited the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum to pay tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
5. H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Md. Abdul Hamid, Hon’ble President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
6. H.E. Sheikh Hasina hosted a banquet in honour of H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister of Bhutan on 23 March 2021.
7. Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. A.K. Abdul Momen, called on the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan at the latter’s place of residence on 23 March 2021.
8. H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering delivered the Bangabandhu Memorial Lecture at the National Parade Ground as a Special Guest at the programme organized to celebrate the Birth Centenary of Bangabandhu.
9. The official discussions between Bangladesh and Bhutan were held at the Prime Minister’s Office on 24 March 2021 in a warm and cordial atmosphere reflecting the time-tested friendship between the two countries.
10. During the official discussions, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh recalled with gratitude the invaluable support of His Majesty The 3rd King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and the people of Bhutan towards Bangladesh’s fight for independence.
11. In commemoration of the Birth Centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence, the two Prime Ministers paid tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the valiant freedom fighters, 3 million martyrs, and two hundred thousand women and children who suffered oppression during the war.
12. The two Prime Ministers recognized with deep satisfaction the manner in which the historic ties between Bhutan and Bangladesh have evolved over the years into a mutually beneficial relationship. They stated that the kinship, which is based on goodwill, friendship and understanding, is an example of good neighborliness, mutual respect, and cooperation.
13. Taking note of the challenges imposed by the ongoing pandemic, the two Prime Ministers congratulated each other for successful, effective, and timely initiatives taken by the respective governments. H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Government of Bangladesh for the support rendered to Bhutan during the pandemic, including the provision of medical supplies.
14. The two Prime Ministers expressed happiness that both Bhutan and Bangladesh are well on track to graduate from the club of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in 2023 and 2024 respectively despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
15. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the recent signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). They, however, noted that bilateral trade has been severely affected by the pandemic and that all-out efforts must be made to overcome the setbacks. In this regard, the two Prime Ministers emphasized holding the Commerce Secretary Level Meeting (CSLM) and Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) as soon as possible, and amend the SOP on the use of inland waterways, and finalize the Protocol to the Transit Agreement on a priority basis.
16. The two leaders emphasized the need for enhanced private sector cooperation, for which the Chambers of Commerce should come up with innovative ways of doing business. They also encouraged importers and exporters of Bangladesh and Bhutan to use the riverine route for the transport of goods as a viable alternative to road links.
17. The Prime Ministers noted the substantial progress made in the past towards signing an MOU among Bangladesh, Bhutan and India on trilateral cooperation in hydro-electricity. In order to move forward, they agreed that a Secretary-level meeting among the three countries should take place at an early date. They also decided to explore the possibility of bilateral cooperation in this sector.
18. H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering thanked the Government of Bangladesh for its support toward the establishment of the Third International Internet Gateway and Bhutan’s proposal to purchase bandwidth from Bangladesh, which will ensure the reliability of internet and communications for Bhutan. The discussions between the concerned agencies of the two governments are at an advanced stage and he expressed the hope that the two sides will soon be able to agree on a rate that is mutually acceptable.
19. As a special gesture of goodwill and friendship, and as part of the celebrations of 50 years of Bhutan’s recognition of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided to provide Bhutan internet bandwidth at a friendly rate.
20. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh viewed that regional connectivity is one of the most important means of trade and that Bangladesh’s unique geographical location in the region provides an opportunity for all countries in the SAARC, BIMSTEC and BCIM to be connected by road. She reiterated the offer to Bhutan for full access to Bangladesh’s seaports.
21. The two Prime Ministers agreed to explore the possibilities of rail connectivity between Bangladesh and Bhutan through the recently inaugurated Chilahati-Haldibari rail inter-link between Bangladesh and India.
22. Following up on the decision taken during Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering’s visit in April 2019, Prime Minister H.E. Sheikh Hasina expressed happiness at the fact that a total of 19 physicians and surgeons have joined various hospitals in Bhutan, and are serving there with good reputation. They expressed happiness that an increasing number of Bhutanese students are choosing Bangladesh as their preferred destination for undergraduate studies, particularly in medicine.
23. Bangladesh agreed to increase the number of annual MBBS quota seats for Bhutanese students from 15 (fifteen) to 20 (twenty). It has also been decided that Bangladesh will issue multiple entry visa to Bhutanese students for full duration of their study subject to the validity of their passports.
24. The Prime Ministers viewed that the cultural cooperation between the two countries should be further strengthened in order to promote people-to-people contact, and that, in commemoration of the 50th year of our friendship, the two countries should exchange cultural delegations.
25. H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering expressed his deep appreciation for the cordial welcome and warm hospitality extended to him and the members of his delegation during their stay in Bangladesh.
26. H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering extended invitations to the Hon’ble President and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit Bhutan.
Dhaka
24 March 2021
