CA urges greater economic integration and hydropower cooperation with Nepal

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today underscored the need for an integrated economic strategy involving Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Seven Northeastern States of India, highlighting the potential for enhanced regional cooperation in hydropower, healthcare, and connectivity.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Indira Rana, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nepal’s Federal Parliament, who is currently visiting Bangladesh to attend an event hosted by the Nepalese Embassy in Dhaka.

Emphasising the importance of shared infrastructure and energy collaboration, the Chief Adviser stated, “There should be an integrated economic plan for Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Seven Sisters. We have more to gain together than apart.” He particularly stressed expanding hydropower partnerships, citing the Bangladesh-Nepal-India Tripartite Power Sales Agreement signed in October, under which Bangladesh is set to import 40MW of hydropower from Nepal through the Indian grid. Both sides agreed on the need for more large-scale hydropower projects.

Professor Yunus also reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to regional health cooperation, announcing that the upcoming 1,000-bed hospital in Rangpur would serve patients from Nepal and Bhutan. “We believe in regional health security and shared prosperity,” he said.

Deputy Speaker Rana expressed Nepal’s strong interest in deepening ties with Bangladesh across multiple sectors. “All our parliamentarians are eager to work closely with Bangladesh. We are serious about strengthening our economic partnership and enhancing people-to-people contact,” she noted.

She also highlighted the presence of over 2,700 Nepali students in Bangladesh, primarily enrolled in medical colleges, and praised the quality of education. Rana called for greater academic collaboration and student exchange between the two nations.

The discussion also touched on improving physical connectivity. Professor Yunus noted that better road links with Nepal would reduce trade costs and facilitate the easier movement of people and goods across the region.

Among others present at the meeting were Ghanshyam Bhandari, Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh; Lamiya Morshed, SDG Coordinator to the Chief Adviser; and Ishrat Jahan, Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.