Yunus and Tobgay vow to deepen cooperation within SAARC and BIMSTEC

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation at international, regional, and sub-regional forums such as SAARC and BIMSTEC, grounded in shared values, mutual respect, understanding, and a collective vision for peace and prosperity.

In a joint statement issued Sunday, the two leaders also reiterated their dedication to deepening long-term bilateral engagements.

Both sides welcomed the establishment of the Joint Working Group (JWG) to advance the Bhutanese Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kurigram and noted with satisfaction the progress of ongoing collaboration.

They also expressed contentment with the implementation of the Agreement on the Movement of Traffic-in-Transit, highlighting the completion of the trial run for transporting goods from Chattogram Port to the Burimari Land Port.

Bangladesh proposed supplying pharmaceuticals to Bhutan under a government-to-government arrangement, a move both sides agreed would improve Bhutan’s access to affordable and high-quality medical supplies.

Prime Minister Tobgay is in Bangladesh on a state visit from 22 to 24 November at the invitation of the chief adviser. He is accompanied by Lyonpo DN Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade; Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Employment; and other senior Bhutanese officials.

According to the joint statement, Tobgay’s visit is a reaffirmation of the longstanding friendship and goodwill between the two nations.

On Saturday evening, the chief adviser hosted a banquet in honour of the Bhutanese leader. Earlier that day, the two heads of government held official talks marked by warmth and cordiality reflective of the enduring ties between their countries.

They reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations—trade, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges—and expressed deep satisfaction with the current state of cooperation.

Recalling Bhutan’s role as the first country to recognise Bangladesh on 6 December 1971, the chief adviser conveyed his gratitude for Bhutan’s unwavering support during the Liberation War.

Both sides underscored their commitment to enhancing bilateral trade and expanding private-sector partnerships. Tobgay also met Bangladeshi business leaders to explore new opportunities in economic and commercial cooperation.

Bangladesh expressed appreciation for Bhutan’s visionary Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) initiative and offered its support in the project’s development.

The two sides noted positive collaboration across various sectors, including human resource development, connectivity, tourism, and culture.

In the presence of both leaders, two MoUs were signed—one on the Trade of International Internet Bandwidth and Telecommunication Services, and another on the Appointment of Health Workforce.

To further strengthen ties, Bangladesh offered 10 annual seats at BUET for Bhutanese engineering students, one dedicated seat at BKSP for a diploma in sports science, continued access to Bangladeshi home-ground facilities for Bhutanese sports teams, and specialised training opportunities for Bhutanese professionals.

Prime Minister Tobgay thanked Bangladesh for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation, and he invited the chief adviser to visit Bhutan at a mutually convenient time.