Bangladesh, Bhutan agree to ‘consolidate’ ties for mutual benefit

Bangladesh and Bhutan have agreed to “consolidate the already excellent” relations for the benefit of their people and discussed a whole range of issues during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s just concluded visit.

The two prime ministers — Hasina and TsheringTobgay – in a joint statement reaffirmed that the relations are based on “friendly ties and reflective of their common aspiration for peace, collective prosperity and development of the region and beyond”.

The statement was issued on Thursday soon after the return of the prime minister to Dhaka after the three-day Bhutan visit. They discussed many areas of cooperation including hydro-power, water resources, trade and commerce, connectivity, tourism, culture, education, health, ICT, and agriculture.

They also stressed on advantages of sub-regional cooperation in the areas of power, water resources, and connectivity for mutual benefit.

Bangladesh will buy power from Bhutan after investing in a joint hydroelectric project .

This is a huge gain because hydel power is clean and less expensive and Bhutan has a small population which rules out displacement.

Long term dependence on hydel power from Bhutan, Nepal and India's Northeast can go a long way to boost Bangladesh's economic development and less cost of power can make Bangladesh's industry more competitive.

The two leaders welcomed the proposed trilateral MoU between Bangladesh, Bhutan and India for Cooperation in the field of Hydroelectric Power and hoped that this would be signed at an occasion when leaders of all three countries would meet next.

Bangladesh side earlier indicated that the signing would be held during the BIMSTEC meeting in Nepal this year.

The two Prime Ministers recognised the importance of BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement for regional connectivity and “expressed their desire towards an early operationalization of the Agreement”. The implementation was thwarted after Bhutan’s upper house did not clear the pact.

Bhutan gifted a 1.5 acres plot of land to Bangladesh for construction of its Embassy at the diplomatic enclave at Hejo in Thimphu.  Hasina unveiled the foundation stone for the Embassy.

The two sides signed eight deals:

Agreement for Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect of Taxes on Income;

Agreement on Cultural Cooperation

Agreement on Allotment of Land under Hejo Samtenling Local Area Plan (Lap) for Construction of Bangladesh Embassy Premises in Bhutan;

Deed for “Use Right” of Land under Hejo Samtenling Local Area Plan(Lap) for Construction of Bangladesh Embassy Premises in Bhutan;

MoU between Bhutan Standards Bureau (BSB) and Bangladesh Standards & Testing Institution (BSTI);

MoU on Use of Inland Waterways for Transportation of Bilateral Trade and Transit Cargoes;

MoU between Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) and Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD);

MoU between Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA), Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Royal Government of Bhutan and the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE)

The two Prime Ministers noted the expanding bilateral trade and “acknowledged its importance in further cementing the friendship between the two countries”.

Hasina's government has taken a number of measures including opening of Land Customs Stations Tamabil-Dawki and Nakuagaon-Dalu, Gobrakura and Koroitoli-Gasuaparaand for resolving duty exemption issues on Lime Stone Powder, Gypsum and Calcium Carbonate export to Bangladesh.

Her Bhutan counterpart thanked her for this gesture and said this would further enhance bilateral trade with Bangladesh.

Bangladesh side also offered to export more products such as ready-made garments, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, jute and allied products, leather goods, toiletries, agricultural produce to Bhutan.

Bhutan agreed to facilitate entry of these products into its market.

They also agreed to further promote trade and investments between the two countries.

They also agreed to continue to work together for greater peace, prosperity and development in the region and beyond.

Hasina commended the vision of the Fourth King of Bhutan in instituting the Bhutan Health Trust Fund for the provision of free essential drugs and vaccines to the people of Bhutan.

The Bangladesh side agreed to explore cooperation in support to the Fund which was appreciated by Tobgay.

The two Prime Ministers also agreed to explore cooperation in ICT, including sharing of internet redundancy and establishment of data centers.

The Prime Minister recalled with gratitude Bhutan’s invaluable support to Bangladesh’s Liberation War of 1971 and that Bhutan was the first country to recognise Bangladesh on Dec 6.

Hasina mentioned about the genocide and atrocities committed by the Pakistan occupation forces in 1971.

The Bhutanese side “sympathised” with the suffering and sorrow endured by the people of Bangladesh.

The two PMs also addressed at the International Conference on Autism & Neuro-developmental Disorders on Apr 19 which is being held in Thimphu jointly organised by Bangladesh and Bhutan.

Hasina invited the King, Queen and the prime minister to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.