Bangladesh, Bhutan deals open a new horizon

The bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Bhutan has opened a new horizon through the recent tour of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

A total of five instruments including three Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) and two agreements were signed to boost the bilateral ties between the two countries in the fields of agriculture, trade and commerce and culture.

Besides, the foundation stone of Chancery of Bangladesh Embassy was established at Hejo in Bhutan during the Prime Minister's visit. So, the overall the tour can be called a successful visit.

Although the Prime Minister went to Thimphu to attend an International Conference on Autism and Nuero Developmental Disorders' but, the visit has strengthened bilateral relations' between the two countries.

After wrapping the three-day state visit to Bhutan, in a join press briefing, the two countries vowed to work for establishing peace and ensuring development in the Southeast Asia region.

The press briefing said that a trilateral MoU will be signed between Bangladesh, Bhutan and India for cooperation in the field of hydroelectric power.

Basically, Bhutan is a friendly neighboring country of Bangladesh. The country had recognized first Bangladesh as an independent country on December 6, 1971. Bilateral issues and sub-region assistance are getting priority now between all the countries in the region as the effective role of The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) became almost immobile. So, both Bangladesh and Bhutan will be benefitted if the bilateral relation gets stronger.

Lots of issues get highlighted during the Sheikh Hasina's visit to Bhutan. The deals pertain to agriculture, avoidance of double taxation, culture and quality control of goods and allowing landlocked Bhutan the use of inland waterways.

Hydroelectric power has green credentials because it makes use of water. So, the demand of hydropower is high across the globe. Mountain Rivers of Bhutan are extremely helpful to produce hydro electricity. Bangladesh and Bhutan will get benefit if the countries use the scope of hydro electricity. In addition, there are many products in the two nations. Exporting and importing these goods, the countries can extend their markets.

The new horizon in bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Bhutan was opened through the Dhaka visit of then Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Jigme Yoser Thinley in 2011. Later, a plot allotment deal was signed for Bhutan embassy in Dhaka in 2014. Power and trade issues got priority during the Bhutanese PM's visit in Dhaka. And issue gets more pace through the recent tour of Sheikh Hasina.

We welcome the new possibility and new horizon between Bangladesh and Bhutan. Our expectation is - the relationship between the two countries will be strengthened more in future.  


risingbd/Dhaka/Apr 22, 2017/Ali Nowsher/Nasim