Upon the arrival of Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, in Dhaka on Monday for a two-day official visit, Bangladesh rolled out the red carpet, led by President Mohammed Shahabuddin. The reception at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport featured flower bouquets presented by the head of state to the esteemed guest.
The Amir and his entourage were greeted with a 21-gun salute as their special aircraft touched down at approximately 5pm. Following the ceremonial welcome, the Amir received a guard of honor at the makeshift saluting dais while the national anthems of both countries played.
President Shahabuddin introduced the Bangladesh delegation to the Amir, who reciprocated by introducing his representatives. Notable attendees included ministers AKM Mozammel Huq and Asaduzzaman Khan, Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, chiefs of the three services, and senior government officials.
The Amir's visit to Dhaka comes at the special invitation of Bangladesh's President and Prime Minister. After the airport ceremony, the Amir and his entourage will be accommodated at the Le Meridien Dhaka Hotel for the duration of their stay.
The itinerary for Tuesday includes a courtesy call by Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud and a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Prime Minister's Office, followed by one-on-one discussions. The visit is expected to culminate in the signing of six agreements and five Memorandums of Understandings (MoUs) covering various areas of cooperation, including taxation, legal matters, maritime transport, mutual investment, and diplomatic training.
On April 23, President Shahabuddin will host a courtesy lunch for the Amir at Durbar Hall of the Bangabhaban. The Amir is scheduled to depart for Qatar on Tuesday evening, with the Bangladesh foreign minister seeing him off at the airport.
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