Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is ready to host the long-delayed 13th summit of the seven-member South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (Saarc) from November 12.
Preparations for smooth holding of the conference along with stringent security arrangements for the heads of the state and the government and their entourages have been completed.
All streets from Zia International Airport to the venue of the summit and the places where the heads of the state and government and their delegations are to stay will remain under tight security during the conference, which is to be held at China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre.
The government has decided to close down Carwan Bazar, the city's largest wholesale market, adjoining the Sonargoan Hotel for four days from November 10 to 13, as part of the security measures. It has also tightened security at all entry points to the capital ahead of the summit.
All the educational institutions of the city and the Bangladesh Secretariat will remain closed on November 12 and 13 on the occasion of the summit.
Leaders of the member states have conveyed their consent to attend the Dhaka summit, officials at the Bangladesh foreign ministry said. Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Nepalese King Ganendra Bir Bikram Shahdev, Maldives President Mamun Abdul Gayoom, and Bhutanese Prime Minister Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup are scheduled to reach Dhaka on November 11. Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga will also attend despite national election in the country. The meeting of the Saarc Programming Committee will start in Dhaka on November 8 and continue till noon of November 9.