Bhutan accords Bangladesh president red carpet reception in Thimphu

President Md Abdul Hamid has arrived in Thimphu on a four-day visit at the invitation of Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

The Druk Air flight carrying the president touched down at Paro International Airport at around 4:45pm Bhutanese time on Friday.

The Bangladesh president was accorded a red carpet reception at the airport. He was welcomed by Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Bangladesh Ambassador to the SAARC country Jishnu Roy Choudhury.

Two girls presented bouquets to the president and his wife Rashida Khanom. The Bhutanese prime minister presented Hamid with a ceremonial scarf.

Later the Bangladesh president was taken to Taj Tashi Hotel where he and his entourage will be staying.

Schoolchildren greeted President Hamid outside the airport by waving flags of the two countries. The president stepped out of his vehicle and exchanged greetings with them.

At Taj Tashi Hotel, Hamid was received by the Chairman of Royal Privy Council, Lyonpo Chenkyab Dorji.

Earlier on Friday afternoon, the president left Dhaka for Thimphu.

The president will call on the Bhutanese king and attend a dinner to be hosted by the monarch at Lingkana Palace.

He will meet former king Jigme Singye Wangchuck, father of the reigning king.

The Bhutanese prime minister will call on President Hamid at the hotel on Sunday. He will host a dinner on Sunday at the Royal Banquet Hall in honour of the Bangladesh head of state.

Speaker of Bhutanese National Assembly Lyonpo Jigme Zangpo, Chairman of the National Council Sonam Kinga and Foreign Minister Lyonpo Damcho Dorji will meet President Hamid separately.

The president is scheduled to address a joint session of the Bhutanese parliament on Monday.

He will visit Bhutan’s historically and culturally important places before returning home on July 4.