PM leaves for Bhutan today

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, leading a high-level delegation that includes a number of ministers, leaves for Bhutan on a three-day official visit today noon.

According to official sources, a trade agreement would be signed between Bangladesh and Bhutan during the visit.

It will be her first visit to any Saarc country after her assumption of office as the prime minister following her party's landslide victory in the December 29 polls.

She will reach at Paro International Airport, Bhutan at 12:30 pm (local time).

Bhutan is the first country that recognised Bangladesh as an independent state immediately after the country's Liberation War.

The PM's entourage will include Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, Industries Minister Dilip Barua, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan, PM's adviser H T Imam and Principal Secretary M Abdul Karim, and former ambassador M Ziauddin.

Buddhist Monk Dharma Mitra Mahathero and Ven Suddhananda Mahathero, eminent personalities Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed, Dr Md Habibe Millat, Prakrita Ranjan Barua, Md Rezaul Karim Razu, journalists Farazi Azmal Hossain and Abul Bashar Nuru are also included in the entourage.

During her stay, Hasina will have bilateral meetings with King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and her Bhutanese counterpart Jigmi Y Thinley.

Bhutanese Foreign Minister Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering, Speaker of the Bhutan National Assembly Jigme Tshultim and Chairman of Bhutan National Council Namgye Penjore and Minister for Economic Affairs of Bhutan Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk will also call on the Bangladesh premier during her visit.

Hasina will attend a luncheon hosted by the King of Bhutan and a dinner hosted by Bangladesh ambassador to Bhutan.

The PM will hand over some earthquake relief materials to her Bhutanese counterpart tomorrow.

She is expected to return home on Monday.