Gates will call on Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and other ministers including finance and planning minister, education minister, science and information & communication technology (ICT) minister, post and telecommunications minister, experts of ICT and businessmen during his short visit.

A new vista is expected to open in the information technology (IT) sector of the country during his short visit.

Gates, accompanied by his wife, will be welcomed at Zia International Airport by Minister of Science & ICT Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan.

A discussion is likely to be held at a hotel in the city on how Bangladesh can work with Microsoft in bridging the digital divide in the country.

The Microsoft chief will give a 55-minute presentation on "Innovation and Partnership". The presentation will be attended by senior government officials, academics and IT industry leaders.

Business leaders will need clearance from the home minister to meet Gates in the discussion.

Gates will assess Microsoft's activities in Bangladesh and announce some expansion plans during the discussion, a source said.

"His visit is very important in the national interest of Bangladesh as it will give a new impetus to Bangladesh's nascent IT industry," the source added.

Microsoft has officially started its operation in Bangladesh this year in cooperation with their market development partner, Square InformatiX. Microsoft has focused on building good relationships with their certified partners locally during the past few months.

Microsoft launched their 'Unlimited Potential' programme on June 13, one of many projects planned for Bangladesh.