Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, Aug 18, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh and Bhutan today stressed the need to 
revitalise SAARC to advance regional integration and ensure collective 
benefits for the peoples of South Asia.

The issue was discussed when Bhutanese Foreign Secretary Pema Lektup Dorji 
called on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs here, according to a ministry press release.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed various issues of mutual 
interest, with particular emphasis on regional cooperation and economic 
engagement.

Shama recalled the vision of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman for regional 
cooperation, noting that he had mooted the idea of establishing the South 
Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Against this backdrop, the two sides emphasised the importance of 
reinvigorating the regional grouping to foster greater integration and 
deliver collective benefits to the peoples of South Asia.

The State Minister also appreciated Bhutan's Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) 
initiative and underscored the need for expeditious operationalisation of the 
Bhutanese Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kurigram.

She expressed hope that the two special zones, once operational, would 
complement each other and help advance mutually beneficial economic 
engagement between Bangladesh and Bhutan.

Shama said the initiatives could contribute to expanding bilateral trade and 
investment, generating employment and strengthening connectivity between the 
two neighbouring countries.

The Bhutanese Foreign Secretary is on a three-day visit to Dhaka to attend 
the Fourth Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Bhutan, 
which was held earlier today.