Dhaka - United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Dhaka Saturday to discuss topics including politics, the economy and social affairs ahead of Bangladesh's December general elections.

Receiving the UN chief at Dhaka's Zia International Airport, Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said that Ban's visit was significant for both the UN and Bangladesh, especially given the upcoming elections.

The elections are considered pivotal, as it will give the country the chance to return to democracy after two years of rule by an unelected, military-backed interim government.

Iftekhar said he hoped that the United Nations will continue its support for a peaceful election in Bangladesh and a smooth transition to democracy.

Ban, wrapping up a four-nation Asia tour, flew straight to Dhaka on a special UN flight from the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu.

Upon arrival, Ban started talks with Iftekhar at Sonargaon Hotel in the evening. Ban is expected to have discussions with representatives of the country's political parties "to know the leaders and discuss the country's future", Iftekhar said.

Accompanied by his wife Yoo Soon-taek and other key UN officials, Ban will also meet Dhaka-based officials of UN agencies Sunday morning.

He will place a floral wreath at the National Martyr's Memorial at Savar to pay homage to the heroes of Bangladesh's war of independence. He will then fly to northern Sirajganj and Bogra districts to see disaster management and micro-credit programmes.

He is also expected to call on President Iajuddin Ahmed and chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed Sunday afternoon.

The UN chief is scheduled to exchange views with senior leaders of the country's major political parties - the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Awami League - before finishing his tour with a news conference Sunday evening. (dpa)