The newly constructed Bangladesh Embassy Complex at Hejo in Thimphu, was inaugurated today, marking an important milestone in Bhutan-Bangladesh diplomatic relations. Her Royal Highness Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck graced the inauguration, accompanied by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, ministers, and other dignitaries.
The complex, constructed on a 1.5-acre plot of land, was gifted by His Majesty The King during His Majesty’s visit to Bangladesh last year. The complex includes the chancery and the Ambassador’s residence.
It was completed in nearly two years at a cost of around Nu 510 M.
“His Majesty the Third Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck first recognised our Bangladesh as a sovereign and independent country, and I do believe that if the king had not got this type of recognition, our liberation wars would have lingered. So, we are very much grateful to this country, and from those relations, I think that the Bangladesh-Bhutan relationship has a strong base,” said Shib Nath Roy, Ambassador, Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said that the chancery symbolises friendship, solidarity, and a new chapter in bilateral ties between the two nations.
“This chancery is more than just a diplomatic space. It is a sanctuary where new ideas will take root, partnerships will be forged, and enduring friendships will be cultivated. Within these walls, or more precisely, within these glass walls that are transparent and seamlessly connect the outside with the inside, seamlessly connecting Bangladesh with Bhutan.”
The Bangladesh Ambassador said that the completion of the new embassy complex will strengthen Bangladesh’s diplomatic presence and facilitate deeper engagement with Bhutan across all sectors.
“In the future, we have some bilateral relations such as the trade and commerce sector, the connectivity sector, the cultural sector, the agricultural sector, the hydroelectricity power sector, the water resource sector, the ICT sector and the medical sector. I think that this type of bilateral relations and sectors will be enhanced in future.”
Bangladesh and Bhutan have maintained formal diplomatic relations since 1973. Both countries have resident embassies at the ambassadorial level since January 1980. The two countries have expanded cooperation in trade, agriculture, education, healthcare, civil aviation and cultural exchange.
In 2020, both countries signed a Preferential Trade Agreement, which came into effect on July 1st 2022. The agreement allows duty-free access for 100 Bangladeshi products into Bhutan and 34 Bhutanese products into Bangladesh.
Efforts to improve connectivity have also advanced bilateral ties. A Standard Operating Procedure for the 2017 MoU on the Use of Inland Waterways was renewed in September 2022, allowing Bhutan continued access to Bangladeshi seaports until 2027.
From Bhutan’s early recognition of Bangladesh’s independence to the growth in trade, culture, and people-to-people connections, this new complex represents the continued strengthening of this special friendship.
Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Sonam Pem
