September 11, 2025
THIMPHU -The outgoing Ambassador of Bangladesh to Bhutan, Shib Nath Roy, said yesterday that the two countries would further strengthen their ties in tourism and investment, including opportunities in the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh inaugurated its new office at Hejo, Thimphu. Her Royal Highness Princess Euphelma Choden Wangchuck graced the ceremony, which was also attended by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, ministers, senior government officials, and dignitaries from Bangladesh and UN agencies.
Ambassador Shib Nath Roy, the 18th ambassador of Bangladesh to Bhutan, said that relations between the two countries have remained strong since 1971. “The new office building, constructed on a 1.5-acre plot, was a gift from His Majesty The King, which will further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries,” he said.
His Majesty the King personally attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bangladesh Chancery Complex and Ambassador’s Residence on November 27, 2023.
World-renowned architect Professor Rafiq Azam designed the project.
The Ambassador noted that sectors such as trade and commerce, hydropower and energy, culture, agriculture, and ICT have long been areas of collaboration.
“To further strengthen these ties, there will be increased focus and investments geared towards Bhutan’s sustainable tourism and investment opportunities in the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC),” he said.
He added that several Bangladeshi investors have already shown interest. “To realise the vision of His Majesty, following the election of the new government scheduled for next year, discussions will be taken forward.”
He said multiple meetings were held and more are planned to explore investments in the Special Economic Zones.
Connectivity, the Ambassador stressed, will be key.
“The Embassy is working on building better connectivity aimed at facilitating greater import and export of goods between the two countries,” he said.
Next month, Bhutan and Bangladesh are expected to discuss enhancing their existing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) into a Free Trade Agreement. Signed in 2020 and effective from July 1, 2022, the PTA allows duty-free access for 100 Bangladeshi products into Bhutan and 34 Bhutanese products into Bangladesh.
On Bangladesh’s side, the embassy has been in discussions to increase exports of high-quality garments, footwear, and pharmaceuticals, among others.
Speaking at the programme, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said the new chancery would play a central role in further strengthening bilateral relations.
“This chancery is a place where new ideas will take root, partnerships will be forged, and enduring friendships will be cultivated,” he said. “Looking ahead, there is a need for more tourists from Bangladesh, enhancement of trade and commerce, and most importantly, investment in the GMC.”
The chancery was completed in nearly two years at a cost of about Nu 510 million. The construction was led by SHATOTTO—Architecture for Green Living—in association with Progressive Research and Consultancy Services, Thimphu, and ideas-iftekhar & design associates pty. ltd. Vajra Builders, a local firm, executed the project ahead of schedule despite numerous challenges.
Architect Rafiq Azam said the design was guided by four central ideas: the historic connections between Bhutan and Bangladesh through Himalayan waterways flowing into the Bay of Bengal; the influence of Bangladeshi Buddhist scholar Atish Dipankar (Atisa) on Bhutanese religious traditions; the adaptation to Bhutan’s local climate with sustainable heating solutions; and a careful adherence to Bhutanese architectural norms and cultural context.