Maintaining friendly and accommodating relations with its neighbours is central to Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken on the challenge of improving bilateral relations with the neighbouring countries as a priority.

History of Bangladesh-Nepal relationship

Nepal recognised Bangladesh on 16 January, 1972. The turning point for the two nations occurred in April 1976, signing a four-point agreement on technical cooperation, trade, transit and civil aviation, and technical cooperation. They both seek cooperation in the fields of power generation and development of water resources. In 1986, Bangladesh insisted Nepal should be included on a deal regarding the distribution of water from the Ganges River.

Focal points

Nepal’s focus shifted to Bangladesh as a permanent and much desired gateway to the sea. Bangladesh, close to Nepal’s southern border, opened new potential for both trade and transit facilities. One of the major developments in Bangladesh-Nepal relations was the opening of the Kakarbhitta-Phulbari-Banglabandh-Mongla transit route, providing Nepal an access to and from the sea through territories of India and Bangladesh. Bangladesh is providing to Nepal with special facilities and preferential treatment at Mongla Port, larger number of railway wagons for lifting increased cargo for bilateral as well as transit trade. Bangladesh has also assured Nepal that it would consider installation of improved infrastructure including customs, immigration, banking and telecommunication facilities at Banglabandh to further facilitate transit and trade between the two countries.
Bangladesh has good bilateral relations with Nepal. We hope, bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Nepal would be deepened in the days to come.

Nepal’s contribution in the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971

People of different countries supported the liberation war of Bangladesh in different ways. Like them, the people of Nepal gave their hands to us.

Late Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala
Founder Leader and President of Nepali Congress, first elected Prime Minister of Nepal Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala (popularly known as B. P. Koirala), while stayed in exile in India, instructed his party leaders to hand over the arms to the Bangladesh MuktiBahini in 1971, after getting the information from Indian Leader Jayaprakash Narayan. Beside this, his strong participation and bold speech in 24 Nations Conference in Delhi held in September 1971 enhanced the awareness of other nations in favour of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

Late Girija Prasad Koirala
After discussing with B. P. Koirala, Nepali Congress Leader and Former Prime Minister of NepalMr. Girija Prasad Koirala (popularly known as G. P. Koirala) contacted with MuktiBahini and went inside Bangladesh in April 1971 to support the Liberation War.

Mr. Sushil Koirala
Present President of Nepali Congress Mr. SushilKoirala supported our Liberation War in 1971 following B. P. Koirala’s directive as a young leader of Nepali Congress.

Mr. Chakra Prasad Bastola
Nepali Congress Leader and Former Ambassador and Minister Mr. Chakra Prasad Bastola went inside of Bangladesh in April 1971 to hand over a truck load of arms to MuktiBahini. His article based on this journey was published in the then popular tabloid “Tarun” that created a great impact in Nepal to strengthen people’s support to Bangladesh.

Dr. Ram Baran Yadav
Nepali Congress Leader and Nepal’s Present President Dr. Ram BaranYadav provided medical assistance at Bangladesh Refugee Camps in 1971 while he was a student of Kolkata Medical College.

Mr. Daman Nath Dhungana
Former Speaker Mr. Daman NathDhungana helped our Liberation War as the then Founder Executive Member of Amnesty International in 1971.

Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat
Former Finance Minister and Nepali Congress Leader Dr. Ram SharanMahat participated in various rallies, meetings and conferences, etc. in 1971 in support of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

Mr. Kirti Nidhi Bista
Former Prime Minister of Nepal Mr. KirtiNidhiBista discussed with the then Foreign Minister of India Mr. SardarSwaran Singh regarding Bangladesh Liberation War. It is mentioned in joint communiqué that solution of Bangladesh’s problem is necessity for safe return of refugees of Bangladesh in September 1971.

Mr. Arjun Narsingh K.C.
Nepali Congress Leader Mr. ArjunNarsingh K.C. participated in various rallies, meetings and conferences, etc. in 1971 in support of Bangladesh Liberation War.

Mr. Prakash Koirala
Former Minister and eldest son of Mr. B. P. Koirala was in charge of collecting arms.

Dr. Narayan Khadka
Member of Nepali Constitutional Assembly and Nepali Congress Leader Dr. Narayan Khadka participated in various rallies, meetings and conferences etc. in 1971 in support of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

Mr. Khem Raj Nepal
Former official of the Nepal Red Cross Mr. Khem Raj Nepal participated in various rallies, meetings and conferences etc. and provided humanitarian assistance in 1971 in support of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

Mr. D. B. Lama
Former Inspector General of Nepal Police Mr. D. B. Lama trained a group of MuktiBahini in 1971 as a young leader.

Mr. Rishikesh Shah
Former Foreign & Finance Minister and Former Ambassador to UN & USA contributed in 1971 in support of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

Note: This is a provisional list regarding Nepalese contribution in Bangladesh’s Liberation War. We will appreciate any other information in this regard from our esteemed readers.