Bangladesh and Bhutan have pledged to deepen cooperation across bilateral, regional, and sub-regional platforms, reaffirming shared commitments to peace, prosperity, and inclusive growth.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay made the pledge during official talks in Dhaka, according to a joint statement issued on Sunday.

Both leaders underscored their intent to work more closely within SAARC, BIMSTEC, and other multilateral frameworks, guided by the principles of mutual respect, shared values, and collective development. They also reiterated their commitment to strengthening long-term bilateral engagement.

The two sides expressed satisfaction with progress on the Joint Working Group tasked with developing the Bhutanese Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kurigram, welcoming the ongoing collaborative efforts. They also noted positive advancements in the implementation of the agreement on traffic-in-transit, with the trial transport of goods from Chattogram Port to Burimari Land Port nearing completion.

Bangladesh proposed supplying pharmaceutical products to Bhutan on a government-to-government basis—an initiative both sides agreed would expand access to affordable, high-quality healthcare supplies in Bhutan.

Prime Minister Tobgay is on a state visit to Bangladesh from November 22–24 at the invitation of the Chief Adviser. He is scheduled to depart Dhaka for Thimphu on Monday morning, with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain seeing him off at the airport.

The Bhutanese delegation includes Foreign Minister Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, Industry and Commerce Minister Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, and other senior officials. The visit, described as a reaffirmation of the countries’ longstanding friendship, has featured a state banquet hosted by Prof Yunus and official talks marked by “heartfelt warmth and cordiality.”

During their discussions, the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including trade, connectivity, investment, and cultural ties. They emphasised the need to boost private-sector collaboration, with Prime Minister Tobgay meeting Bangladeshi business leaders to explore new economic partnerships.

Prof Yunus expressed gratitude to Bhutan for being the first country to recognise Bangladesh’s independence on December 6, 1971. Both sides reaffirmed their satisfaction with cooperation in human resource development, tourism, culture, and connectivity, and discussed emerging opportunities for deeper collaboration.

Bangladesh also praised Bhutan’s ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) initiative and conveyed its readiness to cooperate in the project’s development.

In the presence of the two leaders, two MoUs - MoU on Trade of International Internet Bandwidth and other Telecommunication Services; and MoU on Appointment of Health Workforce were signed.

These agreements aim to enhance digital connectivity and address healthcare workforce needs between the two nations.

Prime Minister Tobgay expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s warm hospitality and invited the Chief Adviser to visit Bhutan at a mutually convenient time. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to long-term cooperation between their countries and peoples.

Separately, Bhutan’s prime minister met with BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury and leaders of the National Citizen Party at a city hotel on Sunday.