Dhaka, 24 November 2025 — The Prime Minister of Bhutan, H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, has completed a three-day State Visit to Bangladesh from 22 to 24 November 2025 at the invitation of H.E. Professor Muhammad Yunus, Hon’ble Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh. The visit reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between the two neighbouring nations and opened new avenues for cooperation in trade, connectivity, education, and health.
Prime Minister Tobgay was accompanied by Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade; Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment; and senior Bhutanese officials.
Warm Welcome in Dhaka
Upon landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the Bhutanese Prime Minister was received by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and honoured with a Guard of Honour and Gun Salute. He later paid tribute to Bangladesh’s Liberation War heroes at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar, laying a floral wreath and planting a sapling.
Prime Minister Tobgay also called on the Hon’ble President of Bangladesh, H.E. Mohammed Shahabuddin.
High-Level Engagements
Throughout his visit, the Bhutanese leader held meetings with senior Bangladeshi officials, including Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md. Touhid Hossain and Adviser for Commerce Bashir Uddin. Professor Yunus hosted a state banquet in his honour on 22 November.
Bilateral talks between the two leaders were held in a cordial and warm atmosphere, reflecting the time-tested friendship between Bhutan and Bangladesh. Both sides reviewed the full spectrum of cooperation, including trade, connectivity, human resource development, people-to-people exchanges, and education.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Chief Adviser Professor Yunus expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bhutan for being the first country to recognise Bangladesh as an independent state on 6 December 1971. Both leaders recalled the State Visit of His Majesty The King of Bhutan in March 2024, which further deepened bilateral ties.
The two sides emphasised boosting trade and private-sector collaboration. Prime Minister Tobgay met Bangladeshi business leaders to explore new investment and economic opportunities.
Bangladesh appreciated the vision behind the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project and expressed readiness to support Bhutan in its development. Both sides also welcomed progress on the proposed Bhutanese Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kurigram.
Key Agreements Signed
Two new Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the visit:
- MoU on Trade of International Internet Bandwidth and Other Telecommunication Services
- MoU on Appointment of Health Workforce
These agreements are expected to enhance digital cooperation and support Bhutan’s health sector.
Support in Education & Human Resource Development
Bangladesh reaffirmed several offers to Bhutan, including:
- 10 annual seats for Bhutanese students at BUET
- 1 seat at BKSP for a diploma in sports science
- Access to Bangladeshi sports facilities for Bhutanese teams
- Specialised professional training programmes
Prime Minister Tobgay thanked Bangladesh for previously increasing MBBS/BDS seats for Bhutanese students to 30 annually.
Connectivity & Transit
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with progress under the Agreement on the Movement of Traffic-in-Transit. The trial run of goods transport between Chattogram Port and Burimari Land Port has been completed successfully.
Commitment to Regional Cooperation
Bangladesh and Bhutan reaffirmed collaboration in SAARC, BIMSTEC, and other regional platforms, guided by shared values, mutual respect, and a vision for peace and prosperity.
Conclusion of Visit
Prime Minister Tobgay praised the warm hospitality extended by Bangladesh and invited Chief Adviser Professor Yusuf to visit Bhutan at a mutually convenient time.
The visit concluded on 24 November 2025, marking another milestone in the enduring friendship and expanding partnership between Bangladesh and Bhutan.