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. 

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. 

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.  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.