Bangladesh wants enhanced connectivity with Bhutan: FM

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said Bangladesh wants enhanced connectivity with Bhutan through air, for both countries to reap economic benefits mutually.

Dr Momen met visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering at his hotel's presidential suite and discussed the issues.

Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Foreign Minister said the entire region has a huge potential for development and the development is possible if the best utilization of the potential is ensured. "The best utilization can be made through connectivity and partnership."

Asked whether any agreement will be signed, the Foreign Minister said the Bhutanese Prime Minister "purely" came to join his friends and the people of Bangladesh in the celebration of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of the independence of Bangladesh.

The Bhutanese Prime Minister considers Bangladesh as his second home where he embraced his dream of becoming a doctor and learned the traits of saving lives.

This time, according to Bhutan's Prime Minister's Office, he is an emissary carrying special prayers of The King and love of the people of Bhutan.

On Wednesday, Lotay Tshering is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) , followed by bilateral talks.

The Bhutanese Prime minister will pay a courtesy call on Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban.

Later, in the afternoon, Lotay Tshering will join the celebration at National Parade Square as the guest of honour. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will receive him there.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the recognition of the independence of Bangladesh by Bhutan and the friendship between the two countries. On 6th December 1971, Bhutan and India became the first countries to recognize the independence of Bangladesh.