He is the first among world leaders to arrive in Bangladesh on a three-day visit to attend the grand celebrations.

“The VVIP aircraft (EK-582) of Emirates Airlines, carrying the Maldivian President along with his wife Fazna Ahmed and other entourage members, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8.20 am,” Bangladesh President’s Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB.

The Maldivian President and his wife were received at the Dhaka airport by Bangladesh President M Abdul Hamid and his wife Rashida Khanam, Joynal said.

President Solih received a red-carpet welcome and a tri-services guard of honour at the airport.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, Local Government and Rural Development Minister Tajul Islam, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq and Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, among others, were present at the airport.

Also read: President Hamid to welcome Maldives President Solih at airport

Cabinet secretary, chiefs of the three services, principal secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and secretaries concerned to the President’s office were also present.

From the airport, the visiting Maldivian President headed to the National Memorial in Savar to pay tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War of Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh President's Press Secretary said that President Solih will also attend the inaugural ceremony of the 10-day special programme at the National Parade Ground in Tejgaon. President Hamid will also be there at 4.30pm on Wednesday.

Also read: 10-day celebration: Dhaka ready to welcome global leaders

On Thursday evening, the Maldivian President will pay a courtesy call on President Hamid at the Credential Hall of Bangabhaban.

President Solih will also sign the visitors’ book at Bangabhaban and witness the signing of some MoUs between the two countries, the Press Secretary added.

Also read: Global leaders to join Bangladesh’s carnival on Mar 17-26: FM

That night, the Bangladesh President will host a cultural programme and dinner for his Maldivian counterpart.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan’s Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on March 19 on a two-day visit.

Also read: 50 Years of Independence: Dhaka to welcome global leaders in person, virtually

Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari will be in Dhaka on a two-day tour from March 22 and Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering is scheduled to visit Bangladesh from March 23-25.

Besides, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Dhaka on March 26.