Dhaka: Bangladesh rolled out the red carpet for President Pranab Mukherjee who arrived here on Sunday on a three-day state visit to boost bilateral ties amidst a general strike called by Jamaat-e-Islami to protest conviction of its three top leaders for the 1971 war crimes.
President Zillur Rahman received Mukherjee at the VVIP lounge of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Four Bangladeshi Air Force jets escorted as the special Air India aircraft entered the country's airspace carrying the President.
A 21-gun salute heralded his arrived as he disembarked from the aircraft.
Rahman escorted Mukherjee to a makeshift stage near the runway where he was given a guard of honour and the military band played the national anthems of both the countries.
The visit by Mukherjee, his first foreign tour since he took office seven months ago, takes place in the backdrop of spiralling violence by Jamaat-e-Islami, whose three leaders have been convicted by an international war crimes tribunal of genocide, rape and crimes against humanity during Bangladesh's liberation war in 1971.
The clashes between those demanding death penalty for those convicted for the war crime and the Islamist leaders has claimed more than 50 lives so far.
The visit by the President and his wife Suvra Mukherjee rides high on symbolism especially when Mukherjee receives Bangladesh's highest award from his Bangladeshi counterpart Mohammed Zillur Rahman on March 04 for his contribution to the independence of the country.
Symbolism apart, Mukherjee, during his interaction with the top leadership of Bangladesh, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, will convey India's commitment to sort out unresolved issues, including Teesta river water-sharing and approval of land boundary agreement, with its eastern neighbour.
He is also expected to meet Bangladesh’s opposition leader Khaleda Zia.
The President will receive an honorary Doctorate of Law from Dhaka University at a convocation ceremony and also attend a reception organised by members of the Indian community.
