Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has expressed interest in signing a free trade agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh and establishing connectivity between the economic zones of the two countries, saying the initiative will give a new dimension to trade and investment.

Tobgay made the proposal during a meeting with Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the UN headquarters on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly on Friday. He said that both countries would benefit greatly if Bhutan's special economic zone 'Gelepu Mindfulness City (GMC)' is linked to the special economic zone allocated for Bhutanese investors in Kurigram.

Principal Advisor Professor Yunus welcomed the proposal and said, "Bangladesh and Bhutan can take bilateral relations to new heights through improved connectivity, trade and investment." He urged the two countries to explore all opportunities to expand trade and investment.

The Bhutanese Prime Minister also outlined his government's plans to promote religious tourism. He mentioned that Bangladeshi Buddhist monks can visit Bhutan, which will play an important role in the development of tourism.

Tobgay said Bhutan wants to utilize its hydropower potential for Bangladesh. At the same time, he said his government is keen to welcome Bangladeshi investment in Bhutan's pharmaceutical industry. He also sought Bangladesh's cooperation in establishing fiber optic connectivity.

The two leaders also discussed the Rohingya crisis. The Bhutanese Prime Minister said his country will participate in the UN plenary session on the Rohingya issue on September 30.

Praising Professor Yunus' leadership, Tobgay said that Bangladesh is now under the "right leadership." He respectfully addressed him as "My Professor," referring to him as his personal "role model."

The Bhutanese Prime Minister also praised the design of Bangladesh's new Chancery building, recently inaugurated in Thimphu, which is built on the theme of 'Bay of Bengal at the foot of the Himalayas'.

During the meeting, Principal Advisor Professor Yunus invited the Bhutanese Prime Minister to visit Bangladesh. Tobgay accepted the invitation and said that he would probably visit before the national elections in Bangladesh in February.