"Malaysia is fortunate that it's politically very stable. That's why we've been able to focus on economic development," Mahathir told reporters at Zia International Airport.

Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan and Commerce Minister Altaf Hossain Choudhury received Mahathir at the ZIA.

Mahathir, the architect of Malaysia's rapid growth to being an Asian economic giant, said he will explain Malaysia's road to success at the Bangladesh-Malaysia Business Forum (BMBF) today. He also termed the Malaysia-Bangladesh relations 'very good'.

He said he will also outline his views on expanding trade in the region at the first plenary session in a keynote speech styled "Malaysia 2020 -- from Vision to Reality". State-run BTV is likely to air the speech live.

Bangladesh hopes to replicate Malaysia's experience, Morshed said, adding, "We've many things to listen and learn from Dr Mahathir Mohamad for development."

Mahathir is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Khaleda Zia today and address the BMBF 2004, organised by Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI), and a roundtable on Islam.

Three memoranda of understanding (MoU) will be signed during the two-day forum to promote bilateral trade and investment.

During his stay, Mahathir is likely to make a proposal for a free trade agreement (FTA). Earlier in October 2003, he proposed the FTA at the 10th Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) Summit held in Malaysia.

The former Malaysian prime minister along with a high-profile business delegation is expected to visit various industries in the exclusive export processing zones (EPZs).

He attends the 42nd convocation of Dhaka University today, where he will receive an honorary Doctorate of Law degree.

Mahathir is also scheduled to attend an official lunch, hosted by Morshed, and a BMBF gala banquet dinner both scheduled for tomorrow.

Former president HM Ershad is scheduled to call on Mahathir tomorrow, before he departs at 10:00pm.