BBIN improving connectivity: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said with the materialisation of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) initiative, a sub regional coordinative architecture, road connectivity is improving among these countries which will ultimately create an opportunity for further promoting trade and business in this region.

The prime minister said this when outgoing Bhutanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Pema Choden made a farewell call on her at her office.

PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

Sheikh Hasina said Bhutan has a special place in the heart of Bangladeshis as it was the first country to recognise Bangladesh after its independence.

Noting that power sector cooperation is very much important for Bangladesh, she said Bangladesh is ready to procure electricity from Bhutan.

Hasina said it was her initiative to launch the BBIN initiative in this region as there is a need for enhancing trade and business to promote sub-regional cooperation. "We can create our own market," she insisted.

The prime minister said the four countries could now work together under the framework of sub-regional cooperation for the benefit of poor people of these countries.

Assuring that Bhutan will always get Bangladesh's support in its endeavours, the prime minister said since Bhutan is a land locked country, it could use the Syedpur Airport alongside another land locked country, Nepal.

Pema expressed gratitude to the prime minister for always helping Bhutan and said the overall development of Bangladesh is inspiring for developing nations.

Showing Bhutan's interest to import sticky rice from Bangladesh, the envoy said they are already holding negotiations on the price of the rice.

Pema also extended her sincere thanks to Sheikh Hasina for her government's cooperation during her stay in Bangladesh.