DHAKA, July 21: President Pervez Musharraf is to meet his old army buddies during his first-ever visit to Bangladesh later this month, a report said on Saturday.

The tabloid Manavzamin said five of Musharraf’s army friends have already been organizing a reunion to coincide with his three-day official visit, which starts on July 29.

President Musharraf will be the first South Asian leader to visit the country since Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s government came to office nine months ago.

During his visit, Gen Musharraf will hold talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart Jamiruddin Sircar and Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

Talks are expected to cover a gamut of bilateral, regional and international issues. “Trade will be an important part of the agenda,” a Bangladesh foreign ministry official said.

The daily said Gen Musharraf had wanted to visit the homes of his friends with his wife, but due to security concerns he would now meet them at the Sonargaon Hotel, where he will be staying during his trip.—AFP