Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay Arrives in Bangladesh for Three-Day State Visit

Bhutanese PM Commences State Visit to Bangladesh

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Saturday, November 22, 2025, for a three-day state visit aimed at significantly enhancing bilateral relations with Bangladesh. The visit, extending until November 24, comes at the invitation of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and is expected to deepen cooperation across various sectors, including connectivity, trade, and investment.

Upon his arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Prime Minister Tobgay will be accorded a red-carpet welcome and a guard of honor. His itinerary includes paying tribute at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar.

Key Discussions and Expected Agreements

During his stay, Prime Minister Tobgay will engage in extensive discussions with Bangladeshi officials. He is slated to hold one-on-one and delegation-level talks with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. A courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain is also scheduled, and President Mohammed Shahabuddin will host a luncheon in his honor on Sunday.

The talks are anticipated to cover a broad spectrum of areas, including:

• Trade and Investment: Discussions will focus on expanding economic ties, with particular interest in a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and linking Bhutan's Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) with Bangladesh's Special Economic Zone in Kurigram.
• Connectivity: Enhancing regional links, including the proposed trilateral agreement for importing hydropower from Bhutan and support for fiber optic connectivity.
• Agriculture: Expected signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agricultural cooperation.
• Health: An MoU for the recruitment of Bangladeshi specialist doctors and health workers in Bhutan is anticipated.
• Energy: Bhutan is keen to share its hydroelectric potential with Bangladesh.
• Tourism: Promoting religious tourism, acknowledging the historical role of Bangladeshi Buddhist monks in spreading the faith in Bhutan.
• Other areas: Education, telecommunications (including international internet bandwidth supply), culture, youth and sports, and industry.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

The visit underscores the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Bhutan. Foreign Secretary Md Asad Alam Siam confirmed the schedule, highlighting the significance of the visit in further consolidating cooperation. The invitation for this state visit was extended by Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus during their meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September 2025, an invitation Prime Minister Tobgay readily accepted. Prime Minister Tobgay has previously referred to Dr. Yunus as his 'role model' and 'My Professor'.

Bangladesh is also expected to propose reducing travel tax for its nationals visiting Bhutan and explore expanded opportunities for Bangladeshi professionals in Bhutan. The Bhutanese Prime Minister has been declared a Very Very Important Person (VVIP) for the duration of his stay.