Nov 07: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met with King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at his office at Tashichodzong in Bhutanese capital Thimpu on Saturday morning amidst royal formalities.
Sheikh Hasina arrived at the King’s office in a ceremonial motorcade led by a colorful traditional Bhutanese procession, known as ‘Chhipdrel’, at 9:20am (local time).
The traditional procession started from the South Gate of the Tashichhodzong. On her arrival at the South Gate, Sheikh Hasina and the Bangladesh delegation were received by Dzongda (governor) of Thimpu Lhab Dorji and senior government officials.
Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Adviser to the Prime Minister HT Imam, Industries Minister Dilip Barua and Commerce Minister Faruk Khan, among others, accompanied the prime minister during the ceremonial occasions.
Several hundred Bhutanese male and female from various cultural groups of the country wearing different types of colorful dresses depicting Bhutanese traditions took part in the procession.
The people in the procession danced and sang to the tunes of flutes, drums and many other traditional musical instruments.
At the main entrance of the King’s office, Sheikh Hasina was received by the ADC to the King, senior government officials and Bhutan’s Chief of Protocol.
The Bangladesh prime minister was then escorted to the South Court of the King’s office premises and given a guard of honor as national anthems of the two South Asian nations were played.
Standing on a dais, Sheikh Hasina received salute of the Bhutanese Royal Army. Later, she inspected the guards.
After the royal reception, the Bangladesh prime minister was then escorted to the Bhutanese King’s office room where she had the audience with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
On the occasion of Sheikh Hasina’s audience with the Bhutanese king, the whole city was decorated with big ceremonial arches, as well as banners and festoons, and national flags of the two friendly countries.
Hundreds of students standing in queues welcomed the prime minister on her way to the King’s office from her hotel.
