Pranab due in city today

Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee arrives in Dhaka today (Sunday) to attend a number of programmes, including the closing session of the 'International Bengali Literature Conference' in the city, reports UNB.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali will welcome Pranab at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his arrival by a Jet Airways flight in the afternoon, an official told the news agency. Pranab's daughter Sharmista Mukherjee, among others, will accompany the former Indian President during his Bangladesh visit.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the three-day literature conference on Saturday at Bangla Academy while Pranab will be present at the closing ceremony of the conference tomorrow (Monday) as the chief guest.

He will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganobhaban on Monday and will have lunch there together.

Pranab will also visit Bangabandhu Museum to pay respects to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Monday morning.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith will host a dinner on the same day in honor of Pranab. Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla will host a reception to the former Indian President today (Sunday).

On Tuesday morning, he will go to Chittagong and will visit Chittagong Armoury Raid site, the European Club site and Chittagong University.

Chittagong University (CU) will honour the former Indian President with a Doctor of Letters (D. Litt) degree on Tuesday afternoon through a special convocation ceremony.

The University has taken a decision in its 52nd syndicate meeting recently.