Country Lecture Series (CLS) on Bangladesh-Nepal Ties

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a Country Lecture Series (CLS) titled "Bangladesh–Nepal Ties: Towards a New Height" on 20 April 2025 at the BIISS Auditorium.

The lecture was organised as part of the BIISS Country Lecture Series (CLS) with the objective of fostering greater understanding of the evolving bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Nepal and exploring new opportunities for strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The event brought together diplomats, policymakers, academics, researchers, military officials, representatives from think tanks, media, international organisations, and students from various universities.

The discussions focused on the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Nepal, which is founded on mutual trust, shared cultural heritage, and common aspirations for peace, prosperity, and regional development. The speakers highlighted the steady progress in bilateral relations, particularly in the fields of trade and commerce, cross-border connectivity, energy cooperation, tourism, education, agriculture, and people-to-people exchanges.

Special emphasis was placed on the immense potential for collaboration in hydropower and renewable energy, regional transport and transit connectivity, sustainable tourism, and subregional initiatives under frameworks such as BBIN. The speakers stressed that enhanced economic integration, improved connectivity, and closer diplomatic engagement would further strengthen bilateral ties and contribute to sustainable growth and regional stability in South Asia.

The lecture also underscored the importance of expanding academic and research collaboration, promoting cultural exchanges, and encouraging greater private sector participation to unlock the full potential of Bangladesh–Nepal relations. Participants actively contributed to the interactive discussion by sharing their valuable opinions, comments, suggestions, and observations on the future direction of bilateral cooperation.

The event concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, during which participants exchanged views on the prospects of Bangladesh–Nepal relations and reaffirmed the importance of sustained dialogue, strengthened regional cooperation, and deeper partnership to advance shared development goals and regional peace and prosperity.