Bangladesh, Bhutan sign 3 MoUs

Bangladesh and Bhutan today (March 25) signed three new memorandum of understandings (MoUs) and renewed one to enhance mutual cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

The new MoUs are - Establishment of Special Economic Zone in Kurigram, setting up a Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit in Thimphu and technical cooperation on Consumers Rights.

Besides, another MoU on cultural exchange was also renewed, reports BSS.

Visiting Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Bhutanese Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck witnessed the signing ceremony held at Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

Earlier, on his arrival at the PMO, the Bhutanese king was received by the prime minister.

Wangchuck also hold a delegation-level meeting with Sheikh Hasina prior to the signing ceremony.

Health Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen and Bhutanese Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk signed the MoU on establishment of Plastic Surgery Unit in Thimphu, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Shaikh Yusuf Harun and Bhutanese Commerce Secretary Tashi Wangmo signed the MoU on Establishment of Special Economic Zone in Kurigram on behalf of their respective sides.

Directorate of National Consumers' Right Protection Director General AHM Shafiquzzaman and Bhutanese Commerce Secretary Tashi Wangmo inked the MoU on technical cooperation on Consumers Rights.

Cultural Affairs Secretary Khalil Ahmed and Bhutanese Foreign Secretary Pema Choden signed the renewal of MoUs on cultural exchange on behalf of their respective sides.

In addition, Bangladesh has offered to increase the number of annual medical seats for Bhutanese students to 30 from 22.

The Foreign Service Academy of Bangladesh has offered two seats for the Bhutanese foreign service officers every year for capacity building and would also like to extend necessary assistance in setting up a Diplomatic Training Institute in Bhutan.

Apart from this, annual special training to Bhutanese three batches' officials in Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) for three years has also been offered.

Meanwhile, as a special gesture of goodwill and friendship, Bangladesh handed over computers and laptops for the capacity building and skill development of the government officials of Bhutan.

Earlier, Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck arrived in Dhaka on a 4-day visit on Monday morning. The King's visit is a continuation of the strong relationship between Bangladesh and Bhutan since 1971.

President Md Sahabuddin and the First Lady welcomed the King with a guard of honour.

After the ceremony at the airport, King Wangchuk went to the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi No. 32 to pay his respects to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.