Bangladesh is shortly going to celebrate its 45th Victory Day. We gratefully remember that Bhutan was the first country to recognize our independence after the Liberation War of 1971. Would you please tell in brief your evaluation about the development of Bangladesh since independence?

I would like to congratulate the people and government as it celebrates its 45th Victory Day. This is a joyous and solemn occasion.  Yes Bhutan was the first country to recognize the independence of Bangladesh. I keep meeting Bangladeshis from all walks of life who deeply appreciate Bhutan’s stance, which makes me feel proud and humbled.  Recently I met a freedom fighter who told me that our support gave him and his colleagues a huge moral boost.

While most people know that Bhutan stood up for Bangladesh in her hour of greatest need, what they do not know is that it was under the leadership of His Majesty the Third King when it all happened. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who was our ruler was deeply moved by the plight of people of this country as he had witnessed first -hand the refugee camps in Calcutta. His Majesty also supported human rights and self -determination in Africa and Middle East. Successive Monarchs have nurtured the special relationship between Bhutan and Bangladesh. His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen visited Bangladesh twice, which has further strengthened our excellent elations.

The progress made by Bangladesh since its independence is remarkable. According to World Bank, Bangladesh economy has grown steadily at about 6 percent per year while human development complimented economic growth. More than 15 million Bangladeshis have been lifted out of poverty since while life expectancy and literacy increased. Just 41 years after gaining its independence, Bangladesh has a US$130 billion economy producing 35 million tons of food enough to feed 160 million people. These are very impressive achievements by any standard. At this rate I am confident that Bangladesh will achieve its goal of becoming a higher Middle-income country by 2021.

BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal) as a South Asian regional bloc has huge potentialities. How can the Bhutanese government cooperate for making BBIN fruitful and effective?

You are right BBIN has immense potential as the four countries comprise a dynamic sub-region. Bhutan is keen and committed to promote regional integration in trade, investment, finance, energy, security, infrastructure, connectivity and culture.   Finalization of the BBIN MVA (Motor Vehicle Agreement) will result in better land transport connectivity and improve trade between Bhutan, Bangladesh, India and Nepal by easing cross-border movement of goods, vehicles and people.

BBIN MVA was approved by our Parliament during its summer session this year. It was however not endorsed by the Upper House (National Council) as some of its members had concerns about its impact on Bhutan’s limited infrastructure and environment. The government, which is in favor of BBIN MVA has promised to hold further consultations with all the stakeholders including the Upper House to allay their concerns.

What’s your opinion about SAARC?

SAARC provides a platform for one-fifth of the world’s population to work together in a spirit of friendship, trust and understanding. It aims to accelerate the process of economic and social development in South Asia.   Greater prosperity among our peoples through trade, cultural harmony and meeting of minds will inevitably lead to peace and stability.  Bhutan has undertaken numerous activities and is actively engaged to promote the SAARC process. We remain committed to SAARC and the vision of its founding fathers.

What can the governments of Bhutan and Bangladesh do for further enhancement of bilateral relations with special emphasis on development sector, energy and foreign investments?

In order to enhance trade between Bhutan & Bangladesh the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Dhaka has been introducing fruits and minerals in Bangladesh. As you may know our apples and oranges are not only tasty but also grown organically.  The Royal Government through our embassy here has been introducing Bhutanese importers to Bangladesh’s readymade garments, kitchen -ware and pharmaceuticals, which are top quality. The Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Dhaka has been facilitating exchange of business delegations, trade fairs and Commerce Secretary level talks to promote trade.   We also maintain close working relations with key agencies such as National Board of Revenue, Banks and port authorities. Bhutan, Bangladesh and India are also looking at the possibility of cooperation in hydropower export from Bhutan to Bangladesh via India.

What roles should be played by the South Asian countries for regional peace and stability?

The governments in our region have a shared responsibility to deal with some major challenges such as terrorism, climate change, natural disasters, food security, infrastructure development and achieving equitable socio-economic development. The success in dealing with these issues will bring about wider regional peace and stability. When people prosper in an atmosphere of cultural harmony it can create a virtuous cycle.

What would you suggest to Bangladesh through The Asian Age about speeding up economic emancipation? Besides, what development challenges does Bangladesh face right now in your assessment?

Providing energy for its infrastructural projects and its own population appears to be one of the big challenges. But the present government under Sheikh Hasina has undertaken major programs to address these challenges.

Thank you sir for giving us your valuable time.

You are welcome.

This Interview was conducted by Muhammad Imran and  published in The Asian Age daily newspaper on December 16, 2016.