Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has expressed strong interest in signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh and linking the two countries’ economic zones to boost trade and investment.
The Prime Minister conveyed his keenness during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the United Nations headquarters on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly. Tobgay highlighted the potential benefits if Bhutan’s Special Economic Zone, Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), is connected with Bangladesh’s Special Economic Zone in Kurigram, officially allocated for Bhutanese investors.
Professor Yunus welcomed the proposals, emphasizing that both countries should explore all avenues to expand trade and investment. “Bangladesh and Bhutan can take their bilateral relations to a new level through improved connectivity, trade and investment,” he said.
During the discussion, Tobgay also highlighted Bhutan’s plans to promote religious tourism, noting the historical role of Bangladeshi Buddhist monks. He expressed willingness to share Bhutan’s hydroelectric potential and invited investment from Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector. The Prime Minister also sought Bangladesh’s support to establish fiber optic connectivity in Bhutan.
The two leaders discussed the Rohingya crisis, with Tobgay confirming Bhutan’s participation in the UN-organized plenary session on the issue scheduled for September 30.
Tobgay praised Professor Yunus’s leadership, referring to him as his “role model” and warmly calling him “My Professor.” He also commended Bangladesh’s new chancery building in Thimphu, inaugurated on September 9, noting its design theme, “Bay of Bengal at the Foothills of the Himalayas.”
Chief Adviser Yunus invited Prime Minister Tobgay to visit Bangladesh, and the Bhutanese leader accepted, suggesting the visit may take place before Bangladesh’s planned general elections in February 2026.
