Fakhrul and Nepalese envoy discuss strengthening bilateral relations and reviving SAARC

• Bangladesh is encouraged to strengthen its relationship with Nepal, recognizing it as a democratic partner in South Asia.
• Discussions were held with the Nepalese ambassador on enhancing collaboration between the two nations.
• They explored ways to utilize SAARC as a platform for promoting regional development.

On Monday, Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari met with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir to discuss bilateral relations and the revitalization of SAARC to enhance regional cooperation. The hour-long meeting began around 10:30 a.m. at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office in Dhaka.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, International Affairs Committee member Shama Obaed, and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Nepali embassy in Dhaka, Lalita Silwal, were also present.

Following the meeting, Amir Khasru briefed reporters, highlighting:

• The long-standing relationship between Bangladesh and Nepal, with discussions centered on mutual interests, regional cooperation, and untapped potential.
• The BNP's belief that Bangladesh should strengthen its ties with Nepal as a democratic partner in South Asia, aiming for progress in human rights, good governance, and both bilateral and regional relations.

Khasru emphasized the need to fully leverage this longstanding friendship, which, according to him, has not yet reached its potential.

• SAARC’s role was discussed as a means to foster regional development, people-to-people connections, and improved connectivity and economic growth across South Asia.
• He mentioned that SAARC has yet to fulfill the vision of the late President Ziaur Rahman, a sentiment the Nepalese ambassador shared.

The BNP leader added that talks included exploring the possibility of importing affordable hydroelectric power from Nepal to Bangladesh.