Bangladesh calls for direct Dhaka-Kathmandu bus link

Bangladesh’s ambassador to Nepal Mashfee Binte Shams has called for launching direct bus service between Dhaka and Kathmandu to strengthen the relations.

Speaking at a diplomatic dinner that a Kathmandu-based think-tank organised on Friday, she suggested establishing the bus link between the two capitals via eastern part of Nepal.

Shams said there were “opportunities” to extend the bilateral relations further and establishing bus links could be one of the ways.

The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA) organsied its monthly diplomatic dinner.

AIDIA founder Sunil KC said the ‘Kathmandu Diplomatic Dinner’ themed “business meets diplomacy” was organised to give envoys opportunity “to develop a better knowledge of each other in the context of an evening gathering”.

This month, it focused Bangladesh.

Representatives from business, education, consultancy and other sectors keen to establish trade ties with Bangladesh attended the dinner.

The embassy played a video on ‘Bangladesh an important business destination’ and the ambassador in her speech highlighted investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

She said Nepalese businesses can export ginger and honey to Bangladesh.

Nepal had earlier agreed on principle to a Bangladeshi proposal for launching direct bus service between the capitals.

Quite a large number of tourists visit Nepal and many students from the Himalayan country come to Bangladesh for higher studies every year.

Bangladesh has proposed a route from Dhaka to Banglabandh to Kakarvita to Kathmandu. There are many popular tourist spots on this route.