Better connectivity key to regional growth

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the future growth of this region depends on "better connectivity" among its countries.

She said this when newly appointed Bhutanese Ambassador in Dhaka Sonam T Rabgye met her at her office in the morning.

After the meeting, Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters.

Hasina said Bangladesh offered transit and many other connectivity facilities to Bhutan, and is looking forward to implementing the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement.

She thanked the Bhutanese government for passing the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement at its National Assembly.

About hydropower cooperation with Bhutan, Hasina said Bangladesh is hopeful that Bhutan's untapped hydroelectricity potential will help meet Bangladesh's growing energy needs.

"India is also positively disposed about power sector cooperation with the BBIN framework ... we should take advantage of this new spirit of cooperation for mutual benefit," she said.

Expressing satisfaction over the excellent bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Bhutan, Hasina said Bhutan has a special place in the hearts of Bangladeshis.

Referring to the existing excellent bilateral relations between Dhaka and Thimpu, the Bhutanese envoy said the bilateral ties have further deepened because of increased high-level visits of the delegations of the two countries.