EZ for Bhutan in Kurigram, burn unit in Thimphu to be set up as three MoUs signed

Two countries agree to enhance ties in trade, connectivity, power

FE Team | Published: March 25, 2024 23:48:34

Bangladesh and Bhutan on Monday signed three new memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to enhance mutual cooperation between the two neighbouring countries, report agencies.
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.
Under the new MoUs, Bangladesh will set up a burn and plastic surgery unit in Bhutan's Thimphu, while a special economic zone dedicated to Bhutan will be established in Kurigram.
The two countries also strengthened their technological cooperation to ensure consumer protection in both countries.
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).
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Consort Jetsun Pema arrived in Dhaka for a four-day visit on Monday to take part in the celebration of Independence Day. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and First Lady Rebecca Sultana gave a warm welcome to the royal couple at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
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.
The Bhutanese King held a delegation-level meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina prior to the MoU signing ceremony. They also had a one-to-one meeting.
Earlier, 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.
The King also visited 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 visited different parts of the museum guided by Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Rehana and PM Hasina's daughter Saima Wazed.
He also signed visitors' book there.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and First Lady received the King and his delegation members who arrived by a special flight.
The king was given state salute and guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Armed Forces. He inspected the guard of honour, while the national anthems of the two countries were played.
After the ceremony at the airport, he was headed for Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 to pay tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Today the king will visit the National Martyrs' Memorial at Savar. He will also visit Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
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.
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.