Political Relations


Historic Relationship  

Bangladesh and Bhutan have been enjoying special relationship based on historic connections, common aspirations for mutual development for the people of Bangladesh and Bhutan. 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.



Highlights of the Recent Development in Bangladesh-Bhutan Bilateral Relations

Meeting between Hon'ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh and His Majesty the King of Bhutan, 06 May 2023: Hon'ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh H.E. Sheikh Hasina and His Majesty the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck had a meeting on 6 May 2023 in London where diverse bilateral issues including trade promotion, investment in special economic zone, connectivity etc. have been discussed. Both the leaders agreed that a special economic zone will be established by Bhutan in Kurigram district of Bangladesh.      


Signing of Transit Agreement and Protocol between Bangladesh and Bhutan, 22 March 2023: Bangladesh and Bhutan signed the "Agreement on movement of traffic-in-transit and Protocol" on 22 March 2023 in Thimphu, for establishing arrangements for multi-modal communication channels via road, water ways, railways and airways between Bangladesh and Bhutan. Hon'ble Commerce Minister of Bangladesh Mr. Tipu Munshi and Hon'ble Minister for the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment of Bhutan Lyonpo Karma Dorji signed the agreement and its Protocol.


Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Bangladesh and Bhutan: In 2023, Bangladesh and Bhutan celebrated the Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary) of the formal establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries. On this occasion, three major events have been organized involving the top leadership of Bhutan to showcase Bangladesh - 

(i). On 25 May 2023, a joint reception and cultural program was organized at the Hotel Taj Tashi in Thimphu where Hon’ble Foreign Minister of Bhutan Lyonpo Dr. Tandy Dorji was the chief guest. 

(ii). On 26 May 2023, a Bangladeshi cultural night was organized where Her Majesty the Queen Mothers, Royal Highnesses Princes and Princesses of Bhutan attended. 

(iii). On 14 June 2023, a reception was organized where Hon’ble Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Commerce and Industry Minister, Power Minister, Agriculture Minister, Finance Minister and Health Minister of Bhutan attended and paid homage to the Father of the Nation at the ‘Bangabandhu Corner’ in Bangladesh House in Thimphu.


Starting of Construction of Bangladesh Chancery Complex and Ambassador’s Residence in Thimphu: On 27 November 2023, a ground breaking ceremony for starting the construction work of Bangladesh Chancery Complex and Ambassador’s Residence was held in Hejo, Thimphu where contract has been signed between Bangladesh Embassy and Vajra Builders Ltd. Hon’ble Advisor for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan was the Chief guest on the occasion. It may be mentioned that Bangladesh and Bhutan exchanged land in each other’s capital for Embassy buildings on the basis of reciprocity. Bhutan has gifted a plot of land measuring 1.5 acres to Bangladesh for Construction of Embassy at the diplomatic enclave at Hejo, Thimphu. Hon’ble Prime Minister unveiled the foundation stone plaque for the construction of Bangladesh Embassy Premises at Hejo on 19 April 2017, in the presences of His Majesty The King, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Hon’ble Ministers and other senior government officials. Earlier, on 06 December 2014, during Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh government gifted a piece of land to Bhutan at Baridhara, Dhaka for the construction of Bhutanese Embassy premises.


Signing of the Amended SOP for the MoU on Inland Waterways, 15 September 2022: To finalize mechanism and legal basis for effective waterways connectivity with Bhutan and to ensure utilization of Bangladeshi sea ports by Bhutan, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the MoU on the Use of Inland Waterways between Bangladesh and Bhutan was signed on 15 September 2022 in Dhaka. 


Renewal of the MoU on Inland Waterways, September 2022: MoU on the Use of Inland Waterways between Bangladesh and Bhutan was signed in 2017 and has been renewed for another five years (until 2027) in September 2022.


Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), signed on 06 December 2020, implemented from 01 July 2022: Bangladesh and Bhutan have signed a preferential trade agreement (PTA) on 06 December 2020 to ease further trade barriers between the two countries and facilitate an increase in the volume of bilateral trade. H.E. Tipu Munshi, Bangladeshi commerce minister, and Lyonpo Loknath Sharma, Bhutanese Minister for Economic Affairs signed the agreement on behalf of their respective governments. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering witnessed the event and joined virtually the signing ceremony from Dhaka and Thimphu respectively. Bhutan is the first country to sign PTA with Bangladesh. Under the agreement, Bangladesh will enjoy duty benefit on export of 100 local products and Bhutan will enjoy duty benefit on its 34 products. From 01 July 2022, Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Bangladesh and Bhutan has been implemented.


Visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan to Celebrate the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence, March 2021 

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. 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). 

Joint Statement between Bangladesh and Bhutan during the visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan, to Bangladesh, 24 March 2021, Dhaka                                        

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.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

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 former 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. He was accompanied by his spouse Dr. Ugyen Dema, the Foreign Minister, the Health Minister, other senior government officials of Bhutan, and a business delegation.  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

                                         

Foreign Office Consultations (FOC)

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 and the 2nd FOC was held in Dhaka on 19 March 2019. 


Important Visits in 2023

  • Hon’ble Commerce Minister of Bangladesh Mr. Tipu Munshi visited Bhutan from 21–23 March 2023 along with high officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Commerce to sign the Transit Agreement and its Protocol. During the visit, Hon’ble Commerce Minister had an audience with His Majesty the King of Bhutan and also a meeting with the Agriculture Minister of Bhutan on 22 March 2023.
  • Hon’ble Foreign Minister of Bhutan Lyonpo Tandi Dorji visited Bangladesh to participate in the 6th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) on 12-13 May 2023.
  • Hon’ble Industry, Commerce and Employment Minister of Bhutan Lyonpo Karma Dorji visited Dhaka to participate in ‘Bangladesh Business Summit’ on 11-13 March 2023.
  • Hon’ble Health Minister of Bhutan, Lyonpo Dechen Wangmo visited Bangladesh to attend the International Conference on Public Health and Diplomacy from 11-12 July 2023.
  • Researcher from the Center for Bhutan and GNH Studies visited Dhaka to take part in the international Seminar on "Bangladesh's Indo-Pacific  Outlook: Opportunities and Way Forward" from 1-3 September 2023 hosted by BIISS.

Some Recent High Level Visits between Bangladesh and Bhutan  

  • Hon’ble Prime Minister H.E. Sheikh Hasina visited Bhutan on 18-20 April 2017. 
  • His Majesty the King of Bhutan visited Bangladesh 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. 
  • Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan paid an official visit to Bangladesh on 06-08 December 2014. 
  • The Speakers of both Houses of the Bhutanese Parliament visited Bangladesh in December 2015 and January 2016. 
  • The President of the Bhutan Youth Development Fund (YDF), Her Majesty the Queen Mother of Bhutan Tshering Pem Wangchuck visited Bangladesh on 14-18 March 2016.
  • Hon’ble Foreign Minister of Bangladesh visited Bhutan on 12-14 May 2016. 
  • Hon’ble Foreign Minister of Bhutan visited Bangladesh on 22-24 April 2016.
  • Hon’ble Health and Family Welfare Minister of Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Zahid Maleque visited Bhutan from 04-07 September 2022 to attend 75th Session of the WHO Regional Committee of South East Asia. He had meetings with the Indian State Minister of the Health and Family Affairs on 6 September 2022 and with Hon’ble Health Minister of Maldives on 7 September 2022, at the sideline of the WHO SEARO conference.