Dhaka rolls out red carpet to welcome Bhutanese king

Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Monday was accorded a red carpet reception on his arrival here on a four-day state visit to Bangladesh to attend a series of programmes including Independence Day celebrations.

This is first state visit paid by any foreign dignitary since the formation of the new government after January 7 national election.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and First Lady received the king and his delegation members who arrived at 10am by a special flight.

The king was given state salute and guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Armed Forces. He inspected the guard of honour, while the national anthems of the two countries were played.

After the ceremony at the airport, he was headed for Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 to pay tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

On Monday afternoon, the king will have a delegation-level meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office. They will have a one-to-one meeting too.

Three new MoUs will be signed between Bangladesh and Bhutan while another MoU on cultural exchange will be renewed.

On Tuesday, the king will visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar.

He will also visit Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.

The royal guest will visit Bangabhaban where he will be received by the president and his wife.

The king will have a meeting with the president at 4:30 pm on Tuesday.

The president will host iftar and a dinner reception in honour of the visiting royal.

On Wednesday morning, Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck and selected Bhutanese delegation members will leave Bangladesh for Bhutan by a special flight.

Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Rehana and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen will see them off at the airport.

The Bhutanese king will visit Padma Bridge and Bangladesh Special Economic Zone in Araihazar, Narayanganj.

On Thursday, the king will visit Kurigram Special Economic Zone.

He will leave Bangladesh territory for Golakganj, Assam via Sonahat Land Port on Thursday afternoon.