Bhutan and Bangladesh Deepen Ties During Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s State Visit

Bhutan and Bangladesh reaffirm their long-standing friendship as Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay completes a State Visit to Dhaka from 22–24 November 2025, strengthening cooperation in trade, connectivity, health, education, and support for Gelephu Mindfulness City.

Bhutan and Bangladesh reaffirmed their long-standing friendship and expanding cooperation as Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay completed a three-day State Visit to Bangladesh from 22 to 24 November 2025. The visit, hosted at the invitation of H.E. Professor Muhammad Yunus, Hon’ble Chief Adviser of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, underscored decades of goodwill shared by the two neighbouring nations.

Warm Welcome in Dhaka

Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, accompanied by senior Bhutanese officials, arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to a ceremonial Guard of Honour and Gun Salute. He was received by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Soon after, the Prime Minister laid a floral wreath at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar, paying homage to the freedom fighters of Bangladesh, followed by planting a sapling at the memorial grounds.

Strengthening Diplomatic Engagements

During his visit, Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr Mohammed Shahabuddin, Hon’ble President of Bangladesh. A state banquet was hosted in his honour on 22 November. Senior Bangladeshi advisers for foreign affairs and commerce also met with the Prime Minister to discuss ongoing collaborations.

Bilateral Talks in an Atmosphere of Warmth

Formal bilateral talks were held on 22 November, marked by heartfelt warmth and mutual appreciation. Both leaders expressed deep satisfaction over the strong foundation of Bhutan–Bangladesh relations, built on trust, shared history, and people-to-people connections. Discussions covered a wide spectrum of cooperation, including trade, connectivity, energy, education, health, and technology.

Honouring Historic Ties

Bangladesh recalled Bhutan’s pivotal recognition of Bangladesh’s independence in December 1971. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus conveyed gratitude for Bhutan’s unwavering support during the country’s liberation struggle. The two leaders also reflected on the State Visit of King Jigme Khesar to Bangladesh in March 2024, which had further deepened bilateral friendship.

New Areas of Cooperation

Both countries emphasised the importance of enhancing trade and private-sector collaboration. Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay also met business leaders in Dhaka to explore economic opportunities. Bangladesh expressed strong interest in supporting the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, appreciating His Majesty The King’s visionary initiative and signalling readiness to collaborate.

Progress on Connectivity and Infrastructure

The two sides welcomed the progress made by the Joint Working Group on the Bhutanese Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kurigram. They also expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the Agreement on the Movement of Traffic-in-Transit, noting that the trial run of goods transport from Chattogram Port to Burimari Land Port is nearing completion.

Cooperation in Health and Education

Bangladesh proposed supplying pharmaceutical products to Bhutan on a government-to-government basis, a move expected to improve access to affordable healthcare in Bhutan. The Prime Minister thanked Bangladesh for increasing annual MBBS/BDS seats for Bhutanese students to thirty, as announced during His Majesty The King’s 2024 visit.

Signing of New MoUs

Two significant Memorandums of Understanding were signed in the presence of the leaders:
• MoU on Trade of International Internet Bandwidth and Telecommunication Services
• MoU on Appointment of Health Workforce
These agreements aim to strengthen digital connectivity and support Bhutan’s healthcare system.

Bangladesh’s New Offers to Bhutan

To further support bilateral cooperation, Bangladesh offered the following:
• Ten annual seats at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) for Bhutanese engineering students.
• One dedicated sports science diploma seat at the Bangladesh Sports Education Institution (BKSP), along with extended use of BKSP facilities for Bhutanese national sports teams.
• Specialised professional training for Bhutanese experts in relevant fields.

A Visit that Reflects Timeless Friendship

Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay’s State Visit concluded on a note of optimism, reinforcing the commitment of both nations to work together for shared prosperity. With expanding cooperation across education, technology, trade, health, and major national projects, Bhutan and Bangladesh look forward to a stronger partnership rooted in friendship, trust, and mutual respect.