Hasina meets Bhutanese king

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina calls on King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk at his palace Tashichhoodzong in Bhutan yesterday.Photo: PID

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had an audience with King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at his office, Tashichodzong yesterday amidst royal formalities.
Hasina arrived at the King's office in a ceremonial motorcade led by a colorful traditional Bhutanese procession, known as 'Chhipdrel' at 9:20am (local time).
The traditional procession started from the South Gate of the Tashichhodzong. On her arrival at the South Gate, she was received by Dzongda (governor) of Thimpu Lhab Dorji.
Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Adviser to the Prime Minister HT Imam, Industries Minister Dilip Barua and Commerce Minister Faruk Khan accompanied the PM during the ceremonial occasions.
Several hundred Bhutanese from various cultural groups wearing different types of colorful dresses depicting their traditions took part in the procession. The people in the procession danced and sang to the tunes of flutes, drums and many other traditional musical instruments.
ADC to the King, senior government officials and Bhutan's Chief of Protocol received Hasina at the main entrance of the King's office.
She was then escorted to the South Court of the King's office premises and given a guard of honour as national anthems of the two South Asian nations were played.
After the royal reception, the Bangladesh Prime Minister was then escorted to the Bhutanese King's office room where she had the audience with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
On the occasion of Hasina's audience with the Bhutanese king, the whole city was decorated with big ceremonial arches, as well as banners and festoons, and national flags of the two friendly countries.
Hundreds of students standing in queues welcomed the PM on her way to the King's office from her hotel.