The second most powerful leader in the Burmese military junta hierarchy, Senior General Maung Aye, will arrive in Bangladesh on  October 7 on a three-day official visit.

"Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, the second highest ranking member of Myanmar's military regime, is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on October 7 on a three-day official visit," said a diplomat in Bangladesh.

During his first-ever Bangladesh visit, Maung Aye is to lead a delegation of more than 50 members, including Foreign Minister Nyan Win.

Burma and Bangladesh plan to sign three deals to further expand trade and economic ties between the two neighbours, a source said.

The agreements will be undertaken as top leaders hold official talks in Dhaka on October 7.

The two countries are expected to sign deals related to the prevention of double taxation, the establishment of a joint commission, and the exchange of cultural cooperation.

Maung Aye will hold official talks with Fakhruddin Ahmed, the head of the Bangladesh Army-controlled interim government, the day he arrives in Dhaka.

The senior general will also visit the National Defence College in Mirpur and the National Martyrs' Memorial at Savar, to pay tribute to the martyrs of the war of independence.

Maung Aye is also scheduled to call on President, Iajuddin Ahmed. The Chief of Army Staff, General Moeen U Ahmed, and the Foreign Affairs Adviser, Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury will also meet the senior Burmese general.

Maung Aye was scheduled to visit Bangladesh in 2007, but the trip was cancelled because of political unrest in Burma after monks staged nationwide demonstrations against the military government.