CA calls for economic integration, hydropower collaboration with Nepal

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday called for an integrated economic strategy among Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and India's Seven Northeastern States, stressing the vast potential of cross-border collaboration in hydropower, healthcare, and connectivity.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Indira Rana, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Parliament of Nepal, who is currently visiting Bangladesh to attend an event hosted by the Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka, reports BSS. 

"There should be an integrated economic plan for Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Seven Sisters," Prof Yunus said, referring to the northeastern Indian states. "We have more to gain together than apart."

During the meeting, the chief adviser underscored the urgency of strengthening regional cooperation through shared infrastructure and energy initiatives. 

Special emphasis was placed on enhancing collaboration in the hydropower sector, building on recent developments like the Bangladesh-Nepal-India Tripartite Power Sales Agreement signed in October last year, under which Bangladesh will import 40MW of hydropower from Nepal using India's grid.

Both sides agreed that large-scale hydropower initiatives could be key to regional energy security and economic growth.

Prof Yunus also reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to advancing regional healthcare access. "Our upcoming 1,000-bed hospital in Rangpur will be opened for patients from Nepal and Bhutan as well," he said. "We believe in regional health security and shared prosperity."

Deputy Speaker Indira Rana expressed Nepal's interest in expanding bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh across sectors. 

"All our parliamentarians are eager to work closely with Bangladesh … We're serious about strengthening our economic partnership and boosting people-to-people contact," she said.

Rana also highlighted the strong presence of Nepali students in Bangladesh, with more than 2,700 currently enrolled in local institutions, mostly in medical colleges. 

She praised the quality of education and called for increased educational exchanges and academic cooperation between the two countries.

Improving physical connectivity was another focal point of the meeting. The chief adviser noted that better road links with Nepal would lower trade costs and facilitate the movement of people and goods throughout the region.

Among others present during the meeting were Ghanshyam Bhandari, Ambassador of Nepal to Bangladesh; Lamiya Morshed, SDG Coordinator to the chief adviser; and Ishrat Jahan, Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.