Diplomatic Desk:
Bhutan Ambassador to Bangladesh Dasho Karma Hamu Dorji paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday (March 8, 2026).
During the meeting, the Bhutanese Ambassador congratulated the State Minister on assuming the new responsibility and expressed the Bhutanese government’s interest in working closely with the new government of Bangladesh.
The State Minister said that the government is giving utmost importance to building strong, mutually beneficial and future-oriented relations with neighboring countries, which will help in enhancing regional peace and prosperity.
The overall progress of Bangladesh-Bhutan bilateral relations was discussed during the meeting. Both sides expressed interest in further strengthening cooperation in various fields including trade and business, energy, communication system, education and people-to-people contacts.
The State Minister recalled with gratitude the historical recognition of Bhutan after Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. Discussions also focused on ongoing bilateral initiatives, especially the expansion of existing trade and the establishment of a Bhutanese Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kurigram.
Views were also exchanged on strengthening regional cooperation. The State Minister highlighted the importance of reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), established at the initiative of late President Ziaur Rahman.
