Bangladesh has expressed its readiness to work with Bhutan on transformative regional initiatives aimed at promoting mutual welfare, prosperity and sustainable development, as Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck made a brief stopover in Dhaka on Wednesday.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with the Bhutanese King at the VVIP lounge of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), where the King stopped for about an hour early in the morning.

According to BSS, the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest and explored ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and Bhutan.

The President invited King Jigme Khesar and members of the Bhutanese royal family to make a state visit to Bangladesh at a convenient time. In return, the Bhutanese King invited the President and Bangladesh's Prime Minister to visit Bhutan.

The King also conveyed his congratulations and best wishes to Mirza Fakhrul on assuming office as President, while the President conveyed greetings to the King and members of the royal family on behalf of Bangladesh.

Recalling the historic relationship between the two countries, President Mirza Fakhrul said Bhutan holds a special place in Bangladesh's heart as the Himalayan kingdom was the first country in the world to recognise Bangladesh on December 6, 1971.

The President also praised the affection and respect shown towards Bangladesh by the King's father, former Bhutanese King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

During the meeting, King Jigme Khesar emphasised the need to expand bilateral cooperation in areas including education, trade and investment.

He also briefed the President on the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), a major development initiative in southern Bhutan, and sought Bangladesh's participation and cooperation in the project.

President Mirza Fakhrul expressed interest in the initiative and assured the King that Bangladesh would extend its support and cooperation to advance the project, particularly in pursuit of shared prosperity and sustainable development.

The meeting comes as Bangladesh and Bhutan seek to deepen cooperation beyond traditional bilateral ties, with connectivity, trade, investment and emerging regional development initiatives offering potential areas for closer engagement.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Bhutan's Ambassador to Bangladesh and senior officials of the Bangladesh government were present at the meeting.

The special aircraft carrying the Bhutanese King from Singapore departed Dhaka for Bhutan at around 6:30 am.

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