President of Maldives arrives in Dhaka

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Salih has arrived in Dhaka to mark the centenary of the birth of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of independence. The Maldivian president arrived at Dhaka's Shahjalal International Airport on an Emirates Airlines flight around 8:30 am on Wednesday. His wife Fazna Ahmed is also with him on the tour. Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid and his wife Rashida Khanam welcomed them at the airport.  Although it is customary to greet with flowers, this time it did not happen due to coronavirus epidemic. The two heads of state did not even shake hands.

Ibrahim Salih was given a red carpet reception at the airport's VVIP terminal. He was greeted 21 times with artillery fire. A well-equipped team of three forces gave the Guard of Honor at this time. After inspecting the guard, President Abdul Hamid introduced the Maldivian President to the Line of Presentation.

Apart from Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, Local Government Minister Tajul Islam, Law Minister Anisul Haque, Education Minister Dipu Moni, Environment, Forests and Climate Change Minister Shahab Uddin, cabinet secretaries, chiefs of the three forces, chief secretary to the prime minister and secretaries to the president's office were present at the airport.

The airport area was decorated with colorful decorations on the occasion of the arrival of the President of Maldives. Above and in front of the terminal were a large number of flags of Bangladesh and Maldives. Two large portraits of the two heads of state were placed on either side of the VVIP terminal and a large sign above the terminal read ‘Welcome O Excellency Guest’. It was accompanied by an English translation of the welcome address.

On the first day of the three-day visit, Ibrahim Mohammad Salih will address a function on the occasion of Bangabandhu's birth centenary and golden jubilee of independence at the National Parade Ground on Wednesday afternoon. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will also be present on the occasion.

The Maldivian president will hold a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday morning. After meeting the President in the evening, he will attend a state banquet at Bangabhaban hosted by her. Later you will also enjoy cultural programs. The Maldivian president will return to the country that night after the visit.

A 26-member delegation, including Maldives Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid and the Minister for Economic Development, is accompanying Ibrahim Mohammed Salih on the visit.