Bangladesh is looking for better connectivity and expansion of relations with the five neighbours whose heads of government are visiting the country to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of independence and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said this to reporters Sunday on the sidelines of the Ekushey Book Fair, according to a UNB report.
So far, President of the Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has attended the celebrations as the guest of honour on March 17, while Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa on March 19.
President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari is scheduled to arrive on March 22, Prime Minister of Bhutan Lotay Tshering on March 24 and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on March 26.
A 10-day special programme was kicked off in the city's national parade square ground on March 17, marking Bangabandhu's birth centenary and the Golden Jubilee of Independence.
"We are very happy that the heads of five countries are participating in the celebration which also exhibit their clear confidence and satisfaction with the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," the foreign minister said.
This visit is significant not only for the Golden Jubilee of Independence and birth centenary of Bangabandhu but also for better connectivity and expansion in relations, Momen said.
Bangladesh is expecting to sign many agreements and MoUs with a number of countries during the visits of their heads of state and government, particularly India, he added.
Responding to a question from the reporters about the health protocols at the programmes, Dr Momen said the programmes are being arranged maintaining all the precautions as local and foreign guests will participate in these programmes.