As part of the ongoing three-day 13th Biman Bangladesh Travel and Tourism Fair (BTTF) 2025, a special B2B Networking Event was held today on Thursday (30 October, 2025) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the capital.
The event, titled “Connecting the Travel-Trade Industries of Nepal and Bangladesh,” was jointly organised by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka, in association with the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA). It brought together key stakeholders from both countries’ tourism sectors to explore new avenues for collaboration, exchange ideas, and boost mutual tourism promotion.
His Excellency Ghanshyam Bhandari, Ambassador of Nepal to Bangladesh, delivered an inspiring address highlighting the deep-rooted cultural and historical connections between the two neighbouring nations.
“It’s my pleasure, and I feel honored to deliver some words that will help strengthen the relationship between our two countries,” said Ambassador Bhandari. “Nepal has the mountains — the summits — and Bangladesh has the sea. Our cultures, cuisines, and even our languages share remarkable similarities.”
The ambassador underscored Bangladesh’s immense tourism potential, particularly for Nepali travelers seeking coastal and maritime experiences.
“Nepal is a double-landlocked country, while Bangladesh has the world’s longest sea beach in Cox’s Bazar, the Sundarbans — a UNESCO World Heritage site — along with beautiful rivers, hill stations, and tea gardens,” he noted.
Highlighting shared Buddhist and Hindu heritage, Ambassador Bhandari drew parallels between Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and Bangladesh’s Paharpur, home to Atish Dipankar and the Somapura Mahavihara, the largest ancient Buddhist monastery in the world.
He also praised Bangladesh’s hospitality, describing it as “unmatched,” and encouraged greater people-to-people contact through tourism.
“Bangladesh’s cuisine and hospitality are exceptional. I urge Nepali tourists to explore this beautiful country — it’s the nearest sea destination for you,” he added.
The envoy proposed further facilitation of travel between the two nations, suggesting extended or multiple-entry visas for Bangladeshi tourists visiting Nepal.
“Many Bangladeshi tourists love to visit Nepal several times a year. If visa opportunities are expanded, our tourism partnership will grow even faster,” he said.
Ambassador Bhandari also emphasized improving air connectivity, mentioning that Biman Bangladesh Airlines operates regular flights between Dhaka and Kathmandu, while Himalaya Airlines services remain irregular.
He expressed optimism that with enhanced collaboration and privileges for tour operators, Bangladesh could soon rise to become the third-largest source market for tourists visiting Nepal.
