Bangladesh–Bhutan relations

Bangladesh–Bhutan relations

Bangladesh
Bhutan

Bilateral relations between the People's Republic of Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Bhutan began when Bhutan became the first country in the world to recognize the independence of Bangladesh in 1971.[1][2][3] Both nations are members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for MultiSectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

Contents

History

As the Bangladesh Liberation War approached the dramatic defeat of the Pakistan Army, Bhutan became the second country in the world to recognize the newly independent state on 6 December 1971.[4] Diplomatic relations were officially established in 1973.[1] In 1980, both nations opened embassies in their respective capitals. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the then-President of Bangladesh visited Bhutan to attend the coronation of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth King of Bhutan in June, 1974. The King of Bhutan made a state visit to Bangladesh in February, 1984.[1]

Trade

Bhutan and Bangladesh signed a bilateral trade agreement in 1980, granting each other the "most favoured nation" preferential status for development of trade.[3] As of 2009–2010, Bangladesh's total imports from Bhutan stood at USD 25 million, while its exports to Bhutan accounted for USD 3 million.[5] The agreement was renewed in 2008 during the official visit of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed.[6] In the renewed agreement, Bangladesh gave free access to 18 major categories of import items from Bhutan.[6] The Bangladeshi Prime Minister also promoted the importing of electricity generated in Bhutan, and proposed a Bhutan-Bangladesh bus service across the territories of India.[6]

Other agreements

Bhutan and Bangladesh have actively cooperated in the field of flood control in the aftermath of severe floods in Bangladesh in 1988.[1] Bangladesh also extended support to Bhutan following the 2009 earthquake. Bangladesh offers one scholarship to the Royal Bhutanese Army for a course at the Bangladesh Defence Services Command and Staff College.[1] Both nations signed an air services agreement in 1986, allowing for seven weekly flights between the two nations. Bangladesh designated Biman Bangladesh Airlines and GMG Airlines as its designated carriers, while Bhutan designated Druk Air.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Bangladesh-Bhutan Relations". Embassy of Bangladesh in Bhutan. http://www.bangladeshembassy.bt/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14&Itemid=14. Retrieved 25 September 2010. 
  2. ^ Lal Babu Yadav (1996). Indo-Bhutan relations and China interventions. Anmol Publications Pvt. Ltd.. pp. 198. ISBN 9788174882189. 
  3. ^ a b Narendra Kr. Singh (2003). Encyclopaedia of Bangladesh. Anmol Publications Pvt. Ltd.. pp. 151–56. ISBN 9788126113903. 
  4. ^ "Constitution Issued: Rahman Resigns". Associated Press. Altus, Oklahoma, USA: The Altus Times-Democrat, via Google News. January 11, 1972. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_nBDAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LK4MAAAAIBAJ&pg=2255,530825&dq=bangladesh+bhutan+recognize&hl=en. 
  5. ^ "Entrepreneurship lacks keeps untapped Bangladesh-Bhutan trade prospects". Ittefaq - The Nation. 28 April 2010. http://www.ittefaq.com/issues/2010/04/28/news0755.htm. Retrieved 25 September 2010. 
  6. ^ a b c "Bangladesh to explore trade areas in Bhutan". 2009-11-13. http://www.bhutanobserver.bt/2009/bhutanese-economy/11/b-angladesh-to-explore-trade-areas-in-bhutan.html. Retrieved 25 September 2010. 
Bilateral
Historical and cultural
Commonwealth of Nations
Diplomatic missions
International organisations
Bilateral relations
Bangladesh · China (PRC) · Denmark · India · Nepal · Thailand
Diplomacy