Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Monday, marking his first visit to the capital in a decade. His visit coincides with Bangladesh's Independence Day celebration on March 26.

According to a senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the king's itinerary includes paying homage to Bangladesh's war heroes at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar and participating in President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s formal program at the Bangabhavan.

Additionally, the king will visit the special economic zone (SEZ) at Madhabram area under the Bhogdanga union of Kurigram Sadar upazila on March 28, as confirmed by the Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA).

The bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Bhutan, rooted in mutual respect and cooperation, has strengthened significantly since 1971. Bhutan was the first country to recognize Bangladesh's independence, extending a message of recognition from its third king via telegram on December 6, 1971.

Since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations on April 12, 1973, both nations have continuously worked towards enhancing their multifaceted bilateral ties. Notably, Bangladesh is Bhutan's second-largest trading partner, after India, with both countries actively engaging in regional forums like Saarc, Safta, Bimstec, and BBIN.

In recent years, significant milestones have been achieved in bilateral cooperation, including the signing of agreements to facilitate trade, transportation, and connectivity. The movement of traffic-in-transit, waterways connectivity, and preferential trade arrangements have paved the way for deeper economic engagement between the two countries.

During King Wangchuck's visit, discussions on various bilateral and regional issues are expected, with a focus on expanding cooperation in sectors such as power, agriculture, and healthcare. Bangladesh's proposal for Bhutan to utilize its Special Economic Zone for agro-processing industries underscores the commitment to bolstering economic ties.

Moreover, initiatives such as Bhutan's potential rejoining of the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement (BBIN MVA) reflect the shared aspiration for enhanced regional connectivity and collaboration.

The visit holds promise for further strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and Bhutan, paving the way for mutually beneficial partnerships and shared prosperity in the region.