Dhaka: Visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay paid a courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban here today. On his arrival at Bangabhaban this afternoon as part of his three-day state visit to Dhaka, the Bhutanese PM was welcomed by the President. Later, they held a formal discussion at the Credential Hall of Bangabhaban.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, President Shahabuddin emphasized the ‘deep friendship’ between Bangladesh and Bhutan, expressing hope that the friendly relations would deepen further. The existing bilateral ties in the business, trade, hydropower, education, and health sectors were highlighted, with a shared commitment to strengthening these areas in the future.
During the meeting, the Bhutanese PM expressed gratitude to Bangladesh for increasing the number of seats in medical colleges and reserving seats in engineering universities for Bhutanese students. Dasho Tshering Tobgay also commended Bangladesh’s overall development and progress, and expressed optimism about enhancing relations between the two countries.
Earlier, upon his arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 8:15 am yesterday, Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus warmly welcomed the Bhutanese Prime Minister. After a brief meeting between the two leaders, a contingent of the armed forces division offered a ‘guard of honour’ to the Bhutanese PM.
Following the airport formalities, the Bhutanese Prime Minister visited the National Memorial in Savar to pay tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, where he planted a sapling and signed the visitors’ book. At Bangabhaban, he also signed the Visitors’ Book.
The visiting Prime Minister’s entourage included Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade D. N. Dhungel, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment Leonpo Namgyal Dorji, and Bhutanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Dasho Karma Hamu Dorjee, among others. From Bangladesh, Commercial Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, President’s Office Secretary Khan Md Nurul Amin, Military Secretary Major General Adil Chowdhury, and other officials were present.