National Assembly of Bhutan

08/10/2026

7 October 2026: 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐅 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐧’𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫

The UNICEF Representative to Bhutan, Ms.Rushnan Murtaza, called on the Hon’ble Speaker of the National Assembly on 7 October 2026. The Hon’ble Speaker warmly welcomed Ms. Murtaza to the National Assembly and expressed appreciation for UNICEF Bhutan’s continued support towards advancing the rights, wellbeing and development of children in Bhutan.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ways to further strengthen collaboration between UNICEF Bhutan and the Parliament of Bhutan, with a shared focus on translating UNICEF’s vision and priorities into meaningful outcomes for children and young people.

The discussion covered range of issues affecting children and adolescents, including child rights and protection, quality and inclusive education, youth development, digital technology, adolescent mental health and sanitation. The two sides also discussed how Parliament can advance these priorities through legislation, policy review, parliamentary oversight and advocacy, while ensuring that the rights and needs of children are reflected in national policies and development programmes.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a close partnership and identifying practical areas of collaboration to promote the wellbeing, protection, participation and development of every child in Bhutan.

06/10/2026

𝟔 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

Members of the national Assembly, led by the Hon’ble Speaker and the Hon’ble Leader of opposition offered prayers and received blessing from His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo, Trulku Jigme Choeda, who is bestowing the sacred Kathrid (oral instructions) teachings to the public in Paro.

The sacred Kathrid teachings began on September 27, 2026 and is scheduled to conclude on 11 October 2026.

06/10/2026

𝟔 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐝𝐮𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐩 𝐁𝐮𝐦𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐚𝐤 𝐂𝐡𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐦𝐨 𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠

Members of the National Assembly, led by the Hon’ble Speaker and the Hon’ble Leader of the Opposition went to pay respect and received blessing from His Eminence Kyabje Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, who is presiding over the seven-day 13th Tshigduen Soeldep Bumthrak Chhenmo, a sacred prayer dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. The 13th Tshigduen Soeldep is currently taking place at the Global Peace Prayer Ground, Changlimithang in Thimphu.

The sacred seven-day religious gathering commenced on October 2, 2026 and is scheduled to conclude on October 8,2026.

27/09/2026

27 September 2026:𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐏𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐛𝐞

A Bhutanese parliamentary delegation led by Hon’ble Sonam Dorji (Drukjegang Tseza), accompanied by Hon’ble Sangay Thinley (Khar-Yurung Constituency), participated in the Standing Committee Meeting on Social and Cultural Affairs of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), held in Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan, from 24–27 September 2026.

Hosted by the Parliament of Tajikistan, the meeting brought together parliamentary delegations from across Asia to deliberate on a range of social and cultural issues and consider 16 Draft Resolutions. The Bhutanese delegation participated actively in the general debate and discussions, highlighting the importance of parliamentary cooperation, mutual understanding, sustainable development and closer relations among Asian countries. The meeting also reviewed and endorsed amendments proposed by member countries and discussed matters relating to the participation of women in parliamentary affairs and decision-making.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Bhutanese delegation held a bilateral meeting with the delegation of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The discussions focused on strengthening relations between the two Parliaments through increased interaction, parliamentary visits and exchanges, and greater engagement among women parliamentarians.

The programme also provided the Bhutanese delegation with an opportunity to learn about Tajikistan’s parliamentary, historical and cultural heritage through visits to the Parliament Building, Hisor Fortress, Dushanbe Central Mosque and other cultural sites.

The delegation is scheduled to return to Bhutan on 28 September 2026.

26/09/2026

26 September 2026: 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐤𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠-𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭

The Hon. Member of National Assembly for Kilkhorthang-Mendrelgang Constituency is currently on constituency visit across the Gewogs of Tsirang Dzongkhag to engage with constituents, share updates on parliamentary proceedings, and get feedback on local concerns and development priorities.

The visit commenced with prayers and the offering of butter lamps at Namgyel Choling Dratshang for a successful and meaningful engagement with constituents. The Member also paid a visit to the Tsirang Dzongkhag Court, paid respects to the late former Lam Neten of Tsirang, and received blessings from the Dorji Lopon of the Zhung Dratshang, who was presiding over religious rites in honour of the late Lam Neten.

During meetings held in Mendrelgang, Barshong, Patshaling, and Tsholingkhar Gewogs, the Member briefed the public on the key outcomes of the Fifth Session of the Fourth Parliament, including legislative matters, government initiatives, and upcoming parliamentary agenda. The engagements provided a platform for constituents to raise concerns, seek clarifications, and share their aspirations.

The Member along with the National Council Member of Tsirang Dzongkhag, also visited and inspected the ongoing Kalikhola Bailey Bridge construction site as well as some Chain-link fences and attended the annual school concert of Mendrelgang Primary School as chief guest.

The Member will continue to visit schools and meet stakeholders across the constituency. The constituency visit is scheduled to continue until 10 October 2026.

25/09/2026

25 September 2026: 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞

Hon’ble Kinzang Wangchuk, Member of the National Assembly from the Drametse-Ngatshang Constituency, is currently on constituency visit from 7 September to 8 October 2026. The visit aims to engage directly with communities, local leaders,officials and students to understand their concerns, gather feedback, and discuss matters affecting the constituency.

During the visit, the Member has been sharing updates on key matters discussed and decisions taken during the Fifth Session of the Fourth Parliament. Among the key areas highlighted are the Livestock Bill of Bhutan 2025, taxation, mobile connectivity, tourism, budget, third-child incentive, insurance, farm roads, and retirement and pension matters, with particular emphasis on issues relevant to the communities.

The constituency visit covers all 35 Chiwogs under the Drametse-Ngatshang Constituency, along with engagements with local leaders and visits to schools. So far, the Member has visited and engaged with communities in 20 Chiwogs, where discussions were held on local development priorities and concerns raised by the residents.

The Member will continue the constituency visit in the coming days, covering the remaining 15 Chiwogs and further engaging with schools, communities, and local authorities. The ongoing visit allows for strengthening communication and to follow up on issues and priorities raised at the grassroots level.

25/09/2026

24 September 2026: 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧

A five-member delegation from the European Parliament paid a courtesy call on the Officiating Speaker of the National Assembly of Bhutan. The delegation is in Bhutan to attend the 9th Inter-Parliamentary Meeting (IPM), and was led by H.E. Mr. Serban Dimitrie Sturdza, Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the Countries of South Asia (DSAS).

During the meeting, the Officiating Speaker welcomed the delegation to Bhutan and to the National Assembly. He thanked the European Union for its continued cooperation and 41 years of steadfast support to Bhutan, including assistance extended to the Parliament of Bhutan through Project Nyamdrel and International IDEA. He noted that with EU support, Bhutan has made significant progress in climate action, inclusive socio-economic development, and good governance, while acknowledging that much work remains, for which continued support is needed. He further added that the IPM offers a valuable platform for parliaments to learn from one another in pursuit of shared goals.

Mr. Serban Dimitrie Sturdza, Chair of the delegation, thanked the Parliament of Bhutan for hosting the 9th IPM. He noted that the EU and Bhutan share a strong and unique relationship despite their differences, and highlighted the importance of understanding the legislative impacts of climate change, preserving cultural identity, and encouraging youth engagement.

The National Assembly of Bhutan and the European Parliament looks forward to further strengthening their relationship and advancing towards a shared future of cooperation and mutual prosperity.

24/09/2026

24 September 2026: 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐈𝐏𝐌)

The National Assembly of Bhutan today hosted the 9th Inter-Parliamentary Meeting (IPM) with a five-member delegation from the European Parliament (EP). The EP delegation was led by H.E. Mr. Serban Dimitrie Sturdza, Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the Countries of South Asia (DSAS), while the Bhutanese delegation was led by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, along with four Members of Parliament.

The meeting began with the adoption of the minutes of the 8th IPM, held in Brussels, Belgium. This was followed by a presentation on democratic governance and parliamentary cooperation by the Hon'ble Deputy Speaker, and a presentation on climate, energy, environment, and sustainable development by Hon'ble Naiten Wangchuk.

On behalf of the European Parliament, the Chair of DSAS, Mr. Serban Dimitrie Sturdza, presented on EU–Bhutan cooperation, highlighting the enhanced partnership under the 2021–2027 Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP). He also spoke on environmental policy and water-energy cooperation, touching on sustainable development, the transition to a low-carbon economy, and strengthened cooperation in water resource management, renewable energy, and climate resilience. He further underscored the importance of reviewing developments in human rights and social policy, including demographic trends, education, skills development, and digital transformation.

Following the presentations, the meeting turned to discussions on climate change, preservation of cultural identity, youth retention, and further areas of cooperation such as education, research, and student exchange. Members also discussed the challenges Bhutan faces in combating climate impacts, including adaptation finance, resilient infrastructure, carbon balance, and energy resilience.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of EU–Bhutan cooperation and the value of learning from each other’s best practices through IPM.

23/09/2026

23 September 2026: 𝐇𝐨𝐧’𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐡𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠𝐬, 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬

The Hon'ble Speaker concluded the visit to Lhuentse Dzongkhag, touring all eight gewogs and meeting with Local Government (LG) officials and community members, who offered Tashi Khadhar The visit provided a platform for people to raise a wide range of concerns spanning infrastructure, land administration, agriculture, education, health, and governance.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Road connectivity dominated much of the discussion. Community members sought an update on the long-awaited road linking Jaray Gewog to Thrumshingla.

Residents also flagged inconvenience caused by the ongoing road-widening works, along with concerns over delayed and substandard work by contractors, which they attributed to a lack of oversight on project sites.

Land Matters

Land emerged as a recurring theme. Community members proposed an exchange of government and private land, a matter officials noted would require deliberation in Parliament given its legal and policy implications. In a related concern, residents reported that requests for land lease approval have gone unaddressed, leaving some without access to land they depend on for livelihood.

Agriculture and Rural Livelihood

Farmers raised several concerns tied to agricultural productivity and support:
- Power tillers: Residents requested the issuance of standard power tillers, noting that the mini power tillers currently supplied have proven ineffective for their needs.
- Wetland and dryland revamping: Communities called for both power tillers and dedicated budget support to revive agricultural land.
- Market access: There was a strong call for market exploration for dairy and agricultural products, with residents urging support for farmer cooperatives to boost the local economy.
- Irrigation: Scarcity of water resources for irrigation.
Moreover, community LG officials appealed for a more equitable distribution of resources to support balanced regional development.

Governance and Institutional Issues

Several administrative matters were brought to the Hon’ble Speaker's attention:
- Regularization of Gewog Administrative Officers.
- Revision of the insurance scheme, as residents reported difficulty obtaining insurance coverage when needed, due to rigid eligibility timelines tied to policy maturity periods.
- Loan criteria reform, with residents requesting that eligibility not be tied to whether family members are civil servants.
- Access to credit facilities, particularly for persons with disabilities, who currently face barriers in securing loans.
- Autsho Town development

Education Sector Concerns

Education featured prominently in discussions, with residents and students raising the following:
- Textbook shortage: A shortage of textbooks for the Cambridge curriculum for Classes 9 and 11 was reported.
- Education loans for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Infrastructure needs, including air conditioners and smart TVs for classrooms.
- School feeding programmes, with calls to introduce or expand feeding support.
- Social media restrictions: Students sought clarification on reports of a social media ban for individuals under 16.
- Transport: A request was made for a utility vehicle to support school or community transport needs.

Across the eight gewogs, the Speaker listened to the concerns raised and, where matters fell under parliamentary or ministerial purview, assured communities that these would be conveyed through the appropriate channels.

The visit underscored the breadth of challenges facing rural communities in Lhuentse, ranging from basic infrastructure and irrigation needs to policy-level concerns around land, insurance, and educational equity — many of which will require coordinated follow-up between local government, relevant ministries, and Parliament.

Dasho Dzongdag, Member of Parliament from Gangzur-Minjey constituency Hon’ble Loday Tsheten and Hon’ble Kelzang Lhuendup of National Council accompanied the Speaker during the visit.

22/09/2026