Nepal-Bangladesh Relations

Nepal established diplomatic relations with Bangladesh on 08 April, 1972. Nepal was the 7^th country to extend recognition of Bangladesh’s sovereign rights and independence soon after its independence. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the bilateral relations between Nepal and Bangladesh are characterized by cordiality, goodwill, mutual understanding and shared values and aspirations of the people. Nepal and Bangladesh share similar views on various issues of common interests and work closely in various regional and   international forums, including the UN, NAM, SAARC and BIMSTEC.

Exchange of visits at high levels  from both sides have contributed to consolidate close bond of relations between the two neighbours. Rt. Hon Prime Minister Dr. Babu Ram Bhattarai had fruitful bilateral meeting with Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh during the UNGA session in New York in September 2011 and during the 17^th SAARC Summit held at the Addu Island of the Maldives in November 2011.

Most recently, Hon. Narayan Kaji Shrestha 'Prakash',  Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs visited  Dhaka from 4-6 September 2012 to attend the international conference on People's Empowerment and Development. On the occasion, he called on H.E. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister and held extensive bilateral meeting with H.E. Dr. Dipu Moni, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh.

Earlier, a Nepalese delegation led by Foreign Secretary Mr. Durga Prasad Bhattarai came to Dhaka for a three-day  official visit on 30 July 2012. The two Foreign Secretaries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment of regular bilateral consultation mechanism between the  the two Foreign Ministries at Foreign Secretaries level. The first round of bilateral consultation is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu in the latter part of 2012.

Economic and Commercial Relations: Economic and commercial relations between Nepal and Bangladesh have been growing steadily over the years. However, the volume of bilateral trade has not seen much improvement despites tremendous potentials for expanding and diversifying trade between the two countries. Nepal mainly exports lentils, oil cakes, cardamom, wheat, vegetable seeds, noodles etc.to Bangladesh. Imports from Bangladesh include industrial raw materials, chemicals, fabrics and textile materials, jute products, electric and electronic items.

Commerce Secretaries Meeting: The two Commerce Secretary’s meeting held   in Kathmandu from 28-29 July 2012 had important outcomes to boost bilateral trade and transit such as “Operational Modalities for the Carriage of Transit Cargo between Nepal and Bangladesh", preferential access to Nepalese products to Bangladesh, as well as trade and transit facilitation, and harmonization of standards.

Power Delegation Visit: A delegation led by Joint Secretary Mr. Anwar Hossain, Power Division of Bangladesh visited Nepal from 25 -28 July 2012. The purpose of delegation was to explore the possibilities of cooperation in power sector between Nepal and Bangladesh. Detail discussions were held on the possibilities of construction of a dedicated transmission line, grid inter connection, power exchange between the two countries through India, import of Nepal's surplus power, and joint venture in hydro power projects  in Nepal.

Transit: Bangladesh Government has provided transit facilities at Chittagong and Mongla Ports. The overland trade and transit route to Bangladesh from Kakarbhitta-Phulbari-Banglabandh has also been operational since September 1997. Bangladesh has also provided additional rail corridor to Nepal via Rohonpur-Sighbad for bilateral trade and transit. 

Air Services Agreement: As per the air service agreement between the two countries, Biman Bangladesh Airlines and United Airways-- a private airlines of Bangladesh have been operating their flights in Dhaka-Kathmandu sector on daily basis, which have contributed tourism promotion and people to people contact between the two countries.  

Educational Cooperation: Under the Technical Cooperation Agreement signed between Nepal and Bangladesh in April 1976, Bangladesh offers some scholarships every year to Nepalese students in the field of Medicine. Besides, every year hundreds of Nepalese students come to Bangladesh to study medicine, nursing, dentistry, engineering and other courses. At present, more than 2,500 hundred Nepali students are engaged in higher studies in various cities in Bangladesh.