Dhaka Correspondent:
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir welcomed King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
A special plane carrying the King of Bhutan from Singapore landed in Dhaka early on Wednesday (August 26, 2026) on its way to Bhutan. During a stay of about an hour at the airport, the President paid a courtesy call on the King of Bhutan at the VVIP Lounge. They held cordial discussions on various matters of mutual interest.
At the time, the President invited the King of Bhutan and members of the royal family for a state visit to Bangladesh at a convenient time. In response, the King of Bhutan invited the President and Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit Bhutan at their convenient time.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on assuming office as President.
The President extended warm greetings to the King and members of the royal family of Bhutan on behalf of the people and government of Bangladesh. In return, the King of Bhutan also extended his best wishes to the people and government of Bangladesh.
During the conversation, the President said that Bangladesh and Bhutan enjoy deep and historical relations. He said, “Bhutan has always held a special place in our hearts. Because, Bhutan was the first country in the world to recognize Bangladesh on December 6, 1971.”
The President also recalled with deep respect the special affection and good wishes of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, father of the current King of Bhutan, towards Bangladesh.
Highlighting the common aspiration for development and prosperity of the two countries, the King of Bhutan emphasized the need to further enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields including education, trade and investment.
The King of Bhutan informed the President about his visionary ‘Gelephu Mindfulness City’ project and sought Bangladesh’s participation and cooperation in this initiative. The President expressed deep interest in the project and appreciated it.
He said Bangladesh is ready to work closely with Bhutan to advance transformative initiatives in the region for mutual benefit, prosperity and sustainable development.
Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Bhutan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh and senior officials of the Bangladesh government were present at the courtesy call.
The special plane carrying the King of Bhutan left Dhaka for Bhutan at around 6:30 am.