Sources concerned said Bill, the richest man in the world and a great philanthropist, will be accompanied by his wife.

He is expected to meet the business leaders and elite of the city, but they need clearance from the home ministry.

Home ministry sources said they have taken such cautionary measures, considering the prevailing situation.

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

He is likely to call on Prime Minister Khaleda Zia during his brief stay in Dhaka, and is likely to discuss how Bangladesh can collaborate with Microsoft in bridging the digital divide in the country.

Besides, he will meet the ministers of finance and planning, education, information, science & ICT, post and telecommunications; and chairman of Board of Investment (BoI).

He will assess Microsoft's activities in Bangladesh and announce some expansion plans, the source said.

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

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

"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.