Dhaka: President Abdul Hamid leaves Dhaka this afternoon for Thimphu on a four-day state visit in the Himalayan nation at the invitation of Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

It is expected that the visit, apart from consolidating bilateral interaction, will carry forward the momentum generated for sub-regional cooperation.

A flight of Druk Air, carrying the President, his wife Rashida Khanom and his entourage, will take off Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at about 4:00pm, said President’s Press Secretary Joynal Abedin.

During the visit, the Bangladesh President will have a meeting with the King of Bhutan at Tashichhodzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress on 2 July. The Bangladesh President will join a dinner to be hosted by the King at Lingkana Palace, a residence of the King.

Abdul Hamid will also have a meeting with the former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, father of the present Bhutanese King.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay will meet President Hamid on 2 July at Taj Tashi Hotel where the President will stay during the tour. The Prime Minister will also host a dinner in honor of Bangladesh President at Royal Banquet Hall, Langjupakha, on 3 July.

Speaker of the National Assembly of Bhutan Lyonpo Jigme Zangpo, Chairman of National Council Sonam Kinga and Foreign Minister Lyonpo Damcho Dorji will separately meet President Hamid during the tour. The President will also address the joint session of the Bhutanese Parliament on 4 July.

Abdul Hamid will also visit the historically and culturally important places like Kuenselphodrang and Dochula.

The President is scheduled to return home on 4 July.