B’desh urges Bhutan support to revive SAARC
Bangladesh Seeks Bhutan’s Backing for Renewed SAARC Cooperation
Thebangladaily.com – Bangladesh has called on Bhutan to support efforts aimed at bringing fresh momentum to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, arguing that stronger regional engagement could serve the wider interests of people across South Asia.
The request was conveyed when Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay made a transit stop at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Friday, September 18, while travelling onward to Germany. He arrived at approximately 1:55pm and remained in the airport’s VVIP Lounge for about an hour before departing.
Airport Meeting Focuses on Regional Partnership
Foreign Affairs State Minister Humayun Kabir and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moin Khan received the Bhutanese prime minister at the airport on behalf of Prime Minister Tareque Rahman.
During their discussion, the Bangladeshi ministers highlighted the enduring friendship between the two countries. They recalled Bhutan’s historic role as the first nation to recognise Bangladesh following its independence in 1971, a milestone that continues to hold particular significance in bilateral relations.
The meeting brought together senior representatives from both sides, including Bhutan’s ambassador to Bangladesh and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Although the stopover was brief, the exchange covered issues extending beyond ceremonial diplomacy, including regional collaboration, labour cooperation and development opportunities.
Call to Revitalise SAARC
Bangladesh’s appeal centred on reviving SAARC, the regional platform created to encourage cooperation among South Asian countries. The ministers linked the initiative to the broader goal of improving collective welfare and strengthening ties among the region’s people.
They also referred to the vision of late President Ziaur Rahman, who promoted the idea of a more developed and prosperous South Asia. That vision remains closely connected to the original purpose of regional cooperation: enabling neighbouring countries to work together where shared challenges and common interests make joint efforts valuable.
For Bangladesh, renewed engagement through SAARC would provide an avenue for closer dialogue among regional partners. The message delivered to the Bhutanese prime minister placed emphasis on cooperation as a means of advancing mutual benefit rather than treating regional relations as a series of separate bilateral concerns.
Bhutan’s support was sought in that spirit, with Bangladesh stressing that the revival of the organisation should serve the people of South Asia as a whole. The discussion reflected Dhaka’s interest in restoring attention to a regional forum designed to build understanding and collaboration among its member states.
Interest in Gelephu Mindfulness City Development
The ministers also discussed Bangladesh’s interest in contributing to the development of Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City, commonly referred to as GMC. Bangladesh indicated that it could assist the initiative through the supply of professional, skilled and semi-skilled workers.
This area of discussion underscored the practical dimension of the countries’ relationship. Labour expertise and human resources can form an important part of development cooperation, particularly when major projects require workers with varied levels of training and experience.
Bangladesh’s expression of interest in supporting GMC reflects a willingness to deepen economic and development links with Bhutan. The proposal covers a broad workforce spectrum, from professionals to skilled and semi-skilled personnel, suggesting potential cooperation across different project needs.
The conversation did not announce a specific agreement or timeline. However, it demonstrated that Bangladesh and Bhutan are considering additional ways to translate their longstanding diplomatic relationship into cooperation connected with development priorities.
A Relationship Rooted in History
Bangladesh and Bhutan share a relationship shaped by an important historical foundation. Bhutan’s recognition of Bangladesh in 1971 remains a central reference point whenever the two countries discuss their friendly ties.
That history framed the reception for Prime Minister Tobgay during his airport transit. By combining the warm welcome with substantive talks on regional and development issues, the meeting reinforced the value both countries place on maintaining close contact.
The airport discussion also showed how even short diplomatic engagements can provide space to advance broader priorities. Bangladesh used the occasion to present its interest in a more active SAARC, while also opening a conversation about potential participation in a major Bhutanese development initiative.
As Prime Minister Tobgay continued his journey to Germany, the exchange left Bangladesh’s positions clearly stated: Dhaka wants Bhutan’s support for revitalising regional cooperation and is interested in helping meet workforce needs associated with Gelephu Mindfulness City. Both themes point toward a continuing effort to build on the goodwill that has long defined Bangladesh-Bhutan relations.
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