Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has departed Bangladesh after completing a three-day state visit. He left Dhaka on Monday morning (24 November) from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, concluding a visit widely seen as significant for strengthening Bangladesh–Bhutan bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Tobgay arrived in Dhaka on Saturday, where he was formally received by Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, at the airport. He was accorded a guard of honour along with a ceremonial gun salute. As part of his official engagements, the Bhutanese Prime Minister visited the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to pay tribute to the heroes of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. He also planted a sapling there, symbolising friendship, peace, and future cooperation between the two nations.
During his stay, Prime Minister Tobgay paid a courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin. He also held separate meetings with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin. These discussions focused on diplomatic cooperation, trade expansion, regional connectivity and strengthening bilateral ties.
On Saturday, an official bilateral meeting was held between Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus in a cordial atmosphere. Both sides conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and emphasised the need to enhance cooperation in trade, connectivity, economic partnership, renewable energy, education and people-to-people exchanges. The leaders expressed optimism about deepening collaboration in the coming years.
On Sunday, the Bhutanese Prime Minister also held discussions with representatives of the BNP, Jamaat and NCP. The talks covered regional politics, democratic processes and the importance of peace and stability in South Asia.
The Prime Minister’s delegation included Bhutan’s Foreign Minister Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, along with several senior officials. Officials from both countries believe that this visit will further strengthen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and Bhutan.
GLIVE/TSN