Bangladesh, Bhutan sign three new MoUs

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 the Establishment of a Special Economic Zone in Kurigram, the 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 Samanta Lal Sen, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Shaikh Yusuf Harun, Directorate of National Consumers' Right Protection Director General (Additional Secretary) AHM Shafiquzzaman and Cultural Affairs Secretary Khalil Ahmed signed the MoUs from Bangladesh side.

Bhutanese Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk, Bhutanese Commerce Secretary Tashi Wangmo and Bhutanese Foreign Secretary Pema Choden signed the MoUs on behalf of their country.

The Bhutanese king and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, witnessed the MoUs signing ceremony 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 the 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.

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 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 the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi-32. He paid tribute to the 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 Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s daughter Saima Wazed.

He also signed visitors’ book there.   

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 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 the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 to pay tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Source: UNB