foreign-affairs
Bhutan's royal couple pay their respects to Bangabandhu at Dhanmandi-32
Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Monday visited the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi-32.
He paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing a wreath at his portrait.
The King and Queen Jetsun Pema visited different parts of the museum guided by Bangabandhu’s daughter, Sheikh Rehana, and PM Hasina’s daughter, WHO regional director Saima Wazed.
Bhutanese King's visit a testament of close ties of friendship and goodwill between Bangladesh, Bhutan: Joint Statement
The King also signed the museum's visitors’ book.
Dhaka, Thimphu sign 3 MoUs; agree to enhance ties in trade, connectivity, power
"This morning, my aunt and I showed Their Majesties, The Druk Gyalpo and Gyaltsuen, The King and Queen of Bhutan, our family home in Dhanmondi (now the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum)," Saima Wazed said in a social media post.
Dhaka, Thimphu agree to enhance cooperation in trade, connectivity, electricity
Bhutanese King's visit a testament of close ties of friendship and goodwill between Bangladesh, Bhutan: Joint Statement
Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will attend the celebration of Independence and National Day of Bangladesh on March 26 as the special guest.
He will pay tribute to the memory of the sacrifices of the heroic freedom fighters of Bangladesh at the National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar, which will include the laying of a wreath, signing the visitors’ book and planting of a sapling.
Queen of Bhutan Jetsun Pema Wangchuck will also attend accompanying the King.
The King of Bhutan is paying a state visit to Bangladesh from March 25 to 28 at the invitation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
The visit of the King to Bangladesh is a testament of the close ties of friendship and goodwill that so happily exist between the two countries, said a joint statement issued on Monday.
The state visit of the King and Queen to Bangladesh has further strengthened the traditional ties of friendship, cooperation and goodwill between the two countries, it said.
The King and Queen will meet with the President of Bangladesh. The President will host a banquet on Tuesday in honour of the King.
The King and Queen met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday.
The following Memoranda of Understanding (MoMs) were signed during the visit- MoU between Bangladesh and Bhutan for Cooperation on establishment of a Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit in Thimphu and Health Cooperation; MoU between Bangladesh and Bhutan for Cooperation on establishing Bhutanese Special Economic Zone in Kurigram, Bangladesh by Bhutan and MoU between Directorate of National Consumers Right Protection of Bangladesh and the Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority of Bhutan.
The agreement between Bangladesh and Bhutan onocultural cooperation was renewed.
Both sides expressed satisfaction that annual intake of Bhutanese students for admission in MBBS in public medical colleges of Bangladesh has been increasing gradually.
To further consolidate the existing momentum of cooperation, Bangladesh offered to increase the number of annual MBBS seats for Bhutanese students from 22 (twenty-two) to 30 (thirty).
During the official meeting, the two sides expressed happiness on the current state of relation between Bangladesh and Bhutan, which is a very special one based on common history, geographical proximity, and the shared aspiration of the people for prosperity and development.
King Jigme expressed his deep appreciation for the cordial welcome and warm hospitality extended to Him and the members of His delegation during their stay in Bangladesh.
Prime Minister of Bangladesh recalled with gratitude the invaluable support of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Third King of Bhutan and the people of Bhutan during Bangladesh’s War of Independence.
Prime Minister fondly recalled Bhutan being the first country to recognise Bangladesh as an independent country on 6th December 1971.
Both sides expressed happiness that Bangladesh and Bhutan signed the Agreement on the Movement of Traffic-in-Transit and its Protocol in March 2023 which will usher in new horizons for bilateral trade and connectivity.
The Agreement and its Protocol will not only be phenomenal for bilateral trade but also will work as a platform for paving the way for an interconnected South Asia, said the joint statement.
Both sides noted that regional and sub-regional connectivity are important means of economic integration and enhancing trade and commerce.
They noted with satisfaction that the collaborative efforts between the two sides in connectivity through roads, rail, and waterways will strengthen bilateral ties as well as foster regional integration and economic growth in South Asia.
A New Horizon
Bhutan conveyed its appreciation to Bangladesh for offering the ‘Special Economic Zone’ in ‘Kurigram’ in the northern part of Bangladesh, which is 190 kms from the southern city of Gelephu, Bhutan.
The economic zone will add a new horizon in the area of bilateral trade and investment between the two countries and also for achieving greater prosperity in the South Asia region.
Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening subregional cooperation in the energy sector among Bhutan, Bangladesh and India.
Both sides acknowledged that regional cooperation is very important for shared peace and prosperity in the region.
The King will visit Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn & Plastic Surgery in Dhaka on March 26 and interact with the officials, doctors and students there.
Bangladesh is going to establish a burn and plastic surgery unit in Thimphu which will be another milestone in the bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and Bhutan in the health sector.
Both sides expressed satisfaction that there has been exemplary people-to-people contact between Bangladesh and Bhutan for decades.
They reiterated to further strengthen the peopleto-people contact between Bangladesh and Bhutan by connecting the Himalayas in Bhutan with the longest sea beach in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.
The King Jigme will visit the Padma Bridge, a monumental infrastructural feat constructed entirely through the self-financing efforts of the Bangladesh government.
This remarkable infrastructure project stands as a testament to Bangladesh's commitment to advancing connectivity and fostering economic growth.
King Jigme will also visit a Special Economic Zone in Araihazar to witness firsthand the infrastructure and facilities there.
While in Dhaka, the King will also meet and interact with the Bangladesh business leaders and potential investors to explore new avenues for economic and commercial ties between the two countries.
The King of Bhutan extended invitations to the President and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit Bhutan.
India to help Bangladesh in importing hydropower from Bhutan: Hasan Mahmud
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Monday said India will help Bangladesh to import hydropower from Bhutan the way India helped in importing hydropower from Nepal.
He made the remarks while talking to reporters after his meeting with Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
Bangladesh wants to import hydropower from Bhutan and a tripartite agreement is required to bring the electricity through India.
The two sides are in discussion to that end but there is no plan to sign any agreement during the ongoing state visit of the Bhutanese King.
At the meeting with the Bhutanese King, Minister Hasan laid emphasis on people to people contact.
The Foreign Minister requested the Bhutanese King to join BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) initiative and enhance air connectivity.
Govt to guard against complacency: Hasan Mahmud
Currently, there are only two flights on Dhaka-Thimphu route which needs to be increased, he said.
"Bhutan is a very beautiful country. Those who visited Bhutan, want to go again and again," he said, adding that they also discussed ways to allow people visit Bhutan by road.
Both sides expressed satisfaction at the current excellent level of cooperation between the two countries.
They agreed to enhance cooperation in the areas of trade and commerce, connectivity, power, agriculture,education, culture, people to people contact etc.
Bangladesh will allocate 190 acres of land in Kurigram for a special economic zone for Bhutanese investors.
Bangladesh will construct a Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit in Thimphu as a goodwill gesture which also demonstrates the country’s capacity.
Bhutan was the first country to recognise the newly independent Bangladesh on December 6 in 1971 when the 3rd King of Bhutan sent a message of recognition by telegram.
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Since then Bangladesh and Bhutan share a special multidimensional bilateral relationship. Immediately after the independence, the Bhutanese government took initiative to establish diplomatic relations with Bangladesh and, consequently, formal diplomatic relations was established on 12 April 1973.
Dhaka, Thimphu sign 3 MoUs; agree to enhance ties in trade, connectivity, power
Bangladesh and Bhutan on Monday signed three new memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to enhance mutual cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
The two friendly South Asian countries also agreed to enhance cooperation in the areas of trade and commerce, connectivity, power, agriculture, education, culture, people to people contact etc, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The MoUs are: Establishment of a Special Economic Zone in Kurigram, Setting up a Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit in Thimphu, and technical cooperation on consumer rights. Another MoU on cultural exchange was renewed.
Health Minister Smanta Lal Sen, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Shaikh Yusuf Harun, Directorate of National Consumers' Right Protection Director General (Additional Secretary) A.H.M. Shafiquzzaman and Cultural Affairs Secretary Khalil Ahmed signed the MoUs from Bangladesh side.
Bhutanese Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk, Bhutanese Commerce Secretary Tashi Wangmk and Bhutanese Foreign Secretary Pema Choden signed the MoUs on behalf of their country.
The Bhutanese King and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina witnessed the MoUs signing held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Dhaka, Thimphu sign 3 MoUs; agree to enhance ties in trade, connectivity, power
Besides, Bangladesh offered to increase the number of annual medical seats for Bhutanese students from 22 to 30 while the Foreign Service Academy of Bangladesh offered two seats for the Bhutanese Foreign Service officers every year for capacity building. Bangladesh will also extend necessary assistance in setting up a Diplomatic Training Institute in Bhutan.
Apart from this, Bangladesh offered special training to Bhutanese officials in Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) annually for three years.
As a special gesture of goodwill and friendship, Bangladesh handed over computers and laptops for the capacity building and skills development of the government officials of Bhutan.
S Korea highlights importance of Economic Partnership Agreement with Bangladesh
South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Park Young-sik has laid emphasis on expediting discussion with Bangladesh to have an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), noting that Bangladesh does not have much time before its graduation from the LDC club.
“The impending graduation of Bangladesh from the status of a Least Developed Country (LDC) in 2026 and the subsequent loss of Generalized System of Preference (GSP) benefits pose a challenge to Korea-Bangladesh trade system,” he told diplomatic correspondents at his residence on Sunday evening.
He said some parts of the Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) is linked to the GSP and if Bangladesh graduates from the LDC status, some products that enjoy no tariff benefits under the APTA will become tariff paying products.
Therefore, the Korean envoy said, simply extending GSP benefits cannot solve all the problems and both sides need to address these problems through EPA.
Bangladesh, Bhutan sign three new MoUs
The Ambassador said the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has various names like EPA or Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). “In my view, these types of FTA are the same.”
Starting FTA in Korea requires domestic procedures including approval from the national parliament, he said, adding that they hope that bilateral EPA with Bangladesh will start in the near future.
The EPA between Bangladesh and South Korea has been in discussion since early 2023 but no real progress has been made, said Ambassador Park.
Bangladesh has finished joint study with Japan and come close to finishing it with China and is discussing it with India, he said.
Earlier the Ambassador hosted an iftar-cum-dinner in honour of the members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB).
Dhaka, Thimphu agree to enhance cooperation in trade, connectivity, electricity
DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib sought support from the embassy to help diplomatic correspondents stay informed about South Korea's role in the international arena such as inter-Korean relations, regional security, economic diplomacy, soft power and culture, global health and technology, and multilateral engagements.
Korea recognized Bangladesh as an independent state on May 12, 1972. Both nations established diplomatic relations on December 18, 1973. The year 2023 marked the 50th anniversary of their bilateral relations.
Bangladesh, Bhutan sign three new MoUs
Bangladesh and Bhutan on Monday (March 25, 2024) signed three new memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to enhance mutual cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
The MoUs are: Establishment of a Special Economic Zone in Kurigram, Setting up a Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit in Thimphu, and technical cooperation on consumer rights.
Another MoU on cultural exchange was renewed.
Japan extends Tk 33.5 million to 2 grassroots human security projects
Health Minister Smanta Lal Sen, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Shaikh Yusuf Harun, Directorate of National Consumers' Right Protection Director General (Additional Secretary) A.H.M. Shafiquzzaman and Cultural Affairs Secretary Khalil Ahmed signed the MoUs from Bangladesh side.
Bhutanese Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk, Bhutanese Commerce Secretary Tashi Wangmk and Bhutanese Foreign Secretary Pema Choden signed the MoUs on behalf of their country.
Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina witnessed the MoU signing agreement held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Besides, Bangladesh offered to increase the number of annual medical seats for Bhutanese students from 22 to 30 while the foreign service academy of Bangladesh offered two seats for the Bhutanese foreign service officers every year for capacity building. Bangladesh will also extend necessary assistance in setting up a Diplomatic Training Institute in Bhutan.
Apart from this, Bangladesh offered special training to Bhutanese officials in Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) annually for three years.
Sweden will remain a steadfast partner to Bangladesh: Minister Johan Forssell
As a special gesture of goodwill and friendship, Bangladesh handed over computers and laptops for the capacity building and skills development of the government officials of Bhutan.
Earlier, on his arrival, the Bhutanese King was received by the Prime Minister at her office.
The Bhutanese King held a delegation-level meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina prior to the MoU signing ceremony.
They will also had a one-to-one meeting.
S Korea highlights importance of Economic Partnership Agreement with Bangladesh
Dhaka, Thimphu agree to enhance cooperation in trade, connectivity, electricity
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Monday met Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at his place of residence in Dhaka.
Both sides expressed satisfaction at the current excellent level of cooperation between the two countries.
They agreed to enhance cooperation in the areas of trade and commerce, connectivity, power, agriculture, education, culture, people to people contact etc.
Japan extends Tk 33.5 million to 2 grassroots human security projects
The Bhutanese King arrived in Dhaka on Monday morning.
This is the first state visit by any foreign dignitary since the formation of the new government after the January 7 national election.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and First Lady received the King and his delegation members who arrived at 10 am by a special flight.
Bhutan was the first country to recognise the newly independent Bangladesh on December 6 in 1971 when the 3rd King of Bhutan sent a message of recognition by telegram.
Dhaka rolls out red carpet to welcome Bhutanese king
Since then Bangladesh and Bhutan share a special multidimensional bilateral relationship. Immediately after the independence, the Bhutanese government took initiative to establish diplomatic relations with Bangladesh and, consequently, formal diplomatic relations was established on 12 April 1973.
Japan extends Tk 33.5 million to 2 grassroots human security projects
The government of Japan has extended a grant of USD 306,692, approximately Tk 33.5 million, to two Bangladeshi NGOs, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute and JAAGO Foundation Trust.
Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori signed the ‘grant contracts’ for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) at the Embassy of Japan with the respective organizations on March 24.
Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute has been awarded USD 83,424 as a grant for the project - Strengthening Medical System of Haematological Diseases for Children in Dhaka district.
Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, a government-funded hospital, provides medical, surgical treatment, and diagnostic services.
Sweden will remain a steadfast partner to Bangladesh: Minister Johan Forssell
With the assistance of the GGHSP funding, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute will procure and install three medical equipment (1 Refrigerated Centrifuge Machine, 1 Plasma Storage Freezer, and 1 Automated Aphaeresis Machine) to provide the treatment of haematological diseases including blood cancer and thalassemia for children.
JAAGO Foundation Trust has been awarded USD 223,268 as a grant for the project - Construction of a School Building for a Digital School in Bandarban District.
JAAGO Foundation Trust is working to provide free quality education to underprivileged children, and empowering youth leaders.
With the assistance of the GGHSP funding, JAAGO Foundation Trust will construct a 2-storied reinforced concrete building of primary and secondary school instead of the current temporary wooden school in Bandarban district to improve access to quality education for the grass-roots community, where the students will be able to complete up to secondary school certificate exam (equivalent to 12 years of education).
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Japan has supported 217 NGO projects through its Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) since 1989 with the view to enhancing economic and social human security in the grass-roots levels.
The total sum of these GGHSP grants extended to NGOs in Bangladesh to date amounts approximately to $17.2 million, said the Embassy.
Bangladesh High Commission in Brunei observes ‘Genocide Day’
Bangladesh High Commission in Brunei Darussalam observed ‘Genocide Day’ with due solemnity on Monday.
The programme was attended mainly by members of Bangladesh community.
At the beginning of the programme, recitation from the Holy Quran was performed and prayers were also offered for the salvation of the departed souls of all martyrs who were killed on the fateful night of 25 March 1971.
A one minute’s silence was also observed in their memories.
Bangladesh High Commissioner Nahida Rahman Shumona read out messages from the President and the Prime Minister.
Paying rich tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladeshi High Commissioner condemned the brutality of the Pakistan military in severe terms.
A video documentary was screened, depicting the history and background of the Genocide Day.
Sweden will remain a steadfast partner to Bangladesh: Minister Johan Forssell
Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell has said Sweden will remain a steadfast partner to Bangladesh.
"I see a lot of potential for more Swedish companies to establish themselves here in Bangladesh,” Minister Johan Forssell quoted as saying in a media release issued by the Swedish Embassy on Monday.
UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, together with the Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell, and UNDP Assistant Secretary General Ulrika Modéer, have concluded their four-day visit to Bangladesh recently.
During the visit, the delegation had constructive meetings with representatives of the Government of Bangladesh, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud.
The Crown Princess and the delegation also had the opportunity to meet with civil society, youth, national and international development partners, private companies and many other stakeholders to get their views on sustainable development in Bangladesh and opportunities and challenges of the future.
Several visits were undertaken in the southern parts of Bangladesh.
Accompanied by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Crown Princess Victoria witnessed the consequences of climate change and adaptation efforts in Koyra, Khulna.
The delegation met women and youth who are part of the Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC) project being implemented by UNDP and UNCDF (UN Capital Development Fund) with support from the Swedish government.
They learned about how empowering women and youth through capacity building, leadership training and entrepreneurship are important means to turn climate change vulnerabilities into opportunities, to ensure that no one is left behind.
Crown Princess Victoria and State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak inaugurated a Smart Service Point of Post Office in Koyra, Khulna, a key milestone by UNDP’s a2i - Aspire to Innovate towards SMART Bangladesh.
These efforts are strengthening digital inclusion by providing essential services to rural areas, demonstrating technology's role in sustainable development.
In Chattogram, UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Crown Princess Victoria engaged with a climate-displaced community and witnessed UNDP’s urban resilience programme, that empowers women leaders while fostering sustainable urban resilience.
Crown Princess Victoria and the delegation also visited Asian University for Women in Chattogram to engage with female students, many of them with refugee background.
In addition, the delegation visited the climate- vulnerable coastal island of Hatiya to observe UNDP's work on climate resilience in hard to reach areas.
Crown Princess Victoria, Minister Johan Forssell and UNDP Assistant Secretary General Ulrika Modéer also made a stop in Bhasan Char and a visit to the Rohingya Refugee Camp at Cox’s Bazar and witnessed the collaborative efforts of multiple UN Agencies including the UNHCR, WFP, UNFPA, UN Women, UNDP, IOM and others, many of them funded by Sweden. HRH Crown Princess Victoria interacted with Rohingya Refugees and gained insights into the challenges faced by the Rohingya community.
In connection to the visit to the Rohingya refugee camps, the Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Johan Forssell referred to Sweden’s plans to provide SEK 77 million in humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh via Sida in 2024, an increase compared with last year.
“We’re seeing worrying developments in Bangladesh, with one million Rohingya refugees who don’t have sufficient food for the day. Sweden is a major core support donor to many aid organisations, and now we’re also increasing our humanitarian support to Bangladesh, with a focus on meeting urgent needs, saving lives and ensuring food security,” said the Minister.
The visit also had a focus on the green transition and the role of the private sector.
Minister Johan Forssell and ASG Ulrika Modéer participated in a panel with a focus on the role of the private sector in enhancing the green transition in Bangladesh and the delegation interacted with major Swedish companies such as H&M, Volvo, Ericsson, Scania and Atlas Copco, as well as international companies, pivotal in Bangladesh green transition.