DHAKA, Dec 15: The government of Bangladesh has selected eight spots as top security places to ensure full-proof security to the South Asian leaders who are scheduled to arrive in the capital on January 8 to attend the 13th Saarc summit.

"We will ensure foolproof security, and no lapses will be tolerated," the minister for foreign affairs, M Morshed Khan, told newsmen on Wednesday. He informed newsmen that eight spots, including Zia International Airport, Sheraton Hotel, Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, late president Zia's graveyard, state guest house Jamuna, International Conference Centre and the Bangabhaban have been designated as the top-security places.

"The Saarc leaders from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives will arrive on January 8," he added. The seven-nation summit will be held between January 9 and January 11.

Replying to a question Mr Morshed said, "India has offered to bring two bullet proof cars for their leaders while the government is planning to import two more cars on the eve of the summit." About the preparation of the summit he said, "We are now working minute by minute on the three-day event and hopefully we will finalize all by December 28."

Before the three-day summit, the Saarc programming committee will hold meetings on January 3 and 4, standing committee of the Saarc foreign secretaries will meet on January 5 and 6. In the inaugural session, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia would be elected new Saarc chairperson.