http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=37218
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Monday, May 19, 2008 01:00 AM GMT+06:00
Prince Aga Khan due today
Unb, Dhaka
Prince Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, arrives Dhaka today on a four-day state visit.
Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed will receive him at Zia International airport.
Price Aga Khan's visit marks the golden jubilee of his Imamat. He became the Imam on July 11, 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan.
Prince Aga Khan will call on President Iajuddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed and hold meetings with several advisers.
He will visit National Memorial at Savar and attend a state banquet at Hotel Sonargaon today. He will also host diplomatic reception and Imamat banquet at the same venue tomorrow.
Prince Aga Khan will lay the foundation of the Aga Khan Academy at Basundhara tomorrow and the permanent Jamatkhana of the community on May 21.
The Aga Khan Academy will be built on 21 acres of land at a cost of around US$ 50 million to teach brilliant students from the primary to the secondary level and impart training to teachers.
An official of the Aga Khan Foundation said some 750 to 1200 Bangladeshi students will be admitted to the Academy on the basis of merit. The medium of teaching will be both Bangla and English.
As part of the commemoration of Prince Aga Khan's Golden Jubilee which began on July 11 last year, he has been paying official visits to some 35 countries, using these occasions to recognise the friendship and longstanding support of leaders of state, government and other partners in the work of the Ismaili Imamat, and to set the direction for the future, including the launching and laying of foundations for major initiatives and programmes.
Like his grandfather Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan before him, the Aga Khan has been concerned about the well-being of all Muslims, particularly in the face of the challenges of rapid historical changes.
Today, the Ismailis live in some 25 countries, mainly in West and Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as in North America and Western Europe.
Over the four decades since the present Aga Khan became Imam, there have been major political and economic changes in most of these areas.
The Aga Khan has emphasised the view of Islam as a thinking, spiritual faith, one that teaches compassion and tolerance and that upholds the dignity of man, Allah's noblest creation.
BANGLADESH Didar dates, events and testimonies
BANGLADESH Didar dates, events and testimonies
Last edited by Admin on Sun Jun 01, 2008 3:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
http://www.weeklyblitz.net/index.php?id=149
BLiTZ Information
Registration No. DA-5025, Volume - 3, Issue - 22, Wednesday May 14, 2008
Current Bangladesh Time: 1:34:44 AM (Mon)
Aga Khan to visit Bangladesh
Srabanti Majumder
Leader of the Aga Khan Community in the world, Prince Karim Aga Khan is expected to arrive in Bangladesh on 19 May on a 3-day visit. Bangladesh will accord VVIP [Highest Official Status] to him during his visit. A gazette notification was already issued in Dhaka on May 12 in this regard.
Karim al-Hussayni, Aga Khan IV KBE, CC, GCC, born in December 13, 1936 is the current [49th] Im?m of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. He has been in this position, and held the title of Aga Khan, since July 11, 1957. The Ismailis are ethnically and culturally diverse and reside in over 35 countries around the world. A modern Muslim leader, the Aga Khan is responsible for the interpretation of the faith for his followers and as part of the office of the Imamate, he endeavors to improve the quality of their lives and of the communities in which they live. In the Shia tradition of Islam, it is the mandate of the Imam of the time to safeguard the individual's right to personal intellectual search and to give practical expression to the ethical vision of society that the Islamic message inspires.
The Aga Khan is referred to by members of his community as Mawlana Hazar Imam. He traces his lineage to the Prophet Muhammad through Muhammad's daughter Fatima and her husband `Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first Shi`a Imam. Since his ascension to the Imamat, the Aga Khan has witnessed complex political and economic changes which have affected his followers, including independence of African countries from colonial rule, expulsion of Asians from Uganda, the independence of Central Asian countries such as Tajikistan from the former Soviet Union, and the continuing turmoil in Afghanistan and Pakistan
The Aga Khan has been particularly interested in the elimination of global poverty; the advancement of the status of women; the promotion of Islamic culture, art, and architecture; and furthering pluralistic values in society. He is the founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, one of the largest private development networks in the world, which works towards social, economic, and cultural development in Asia and Africa.
The Aga Khan is founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network [AKDN], one of the largest private development networks in the world. Its partners include numerous governments and several international organizations. AKDN agencies operate in social and economic development as well as in the field of culture, with special focus on countries of the Third World.
The network includes the Aga Khan University [AKU], the University of Central Asia [UCA], the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development [AKFED], the Aga Khan Trust for Culture [AKTC], the Aga Khan Foundation [AKF], the Aga Khan Health Services [AKHS], the Aga Khan Education Services [AKES], the Aga Khan Planning and Building Services [AKPBS], the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance [AKAM], and more. The Aga Khan Award for Architecture [AKAA] is the largest architectural award in the world.
In addition, Focus Humanitarian Assistance [FOCUS], an affiliate of the AKDN, is responsible for emergency response in the face of disaster. Recent examples include the massive earthquake in Pakistan [AKDN earthquake response] and the South Asian Tsunami.
He is also the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Institute of Ismaili Studies, which he founded in 1977.
Significant recent or current projects led by the Aga Khan include the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat on Sussex Drive in Ottawa, Canada, the Global Centre for Pluralism [GCP] in Ottawa, Canada, the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, the Al-Azhar Park in Cairo, Egypt, and a network of full IB residential schools known as the Aga Khan Academies [AKA]. In 2002, Aga Khan pledged $75 million for the rebuilding of Afghanistan. The pledge was the largest by any single donor and more than many countries.
The Aga Khan has been recognized by several national and international organizations for his service to humanity.
In an audience with Queen Elizabeth II on July 26, 1957, Her Majesty addressed the Aga Khan as Your Highness in recognition of the Aga Khan's royal status. On August 12, 1957, the Sultan of Zanzibar invested the title of Brilliant Star of Zanzibar. During his visit to Iran for ten days, the Shah of Iran awarded him the title of His Royal Highness on October 24, 1959. He visited Goa for the first time, where the Portuguese government conferred the title of Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry on October 27, 1960. The President of Ivory Coast decorated the Aga Khan with the title of Grand Cross of the National Order on August 4, 1965. On his way to Europe, the Aga Khan alighted at Ugadaught, the capital of Upper Volta in West Africa, when the President awarded him title of National Order on August 5, 1965. He arrived in Tananarive, the capital of Malagasy, where the President awarded him the title of Grand Cross of the National Order of Malagache Republic on November 15, 1966. The President of Comore Island, Sayed Muhammad Shaikh awarded the Aga Khan the title of Grand Cross of the Green Crescent on November 20, 1966. It was his first visit to Pakistan with his wife when the President of Pakistan granted the title of Nishan-e-Imtiaz on January 15, 1970. The Prime Minister of Italy, Giulio Andreotti had personally received the Aga Khan on December 8, 1977 at the Palazzo Chigi, and awarded Italy's highest national award, namely Order of the Knight of the Grand Cross in recognition of his role in the development of Sardinia's economy. The Aga Khan was also honoured the title of Gran Croce Della Republica Italiana by the government of Italy in 1978. His Majesty King Hasan II of Morocco conferred the grand cordon of Ouissam al-Arch, the highest Moroccon honour upon the Aga Khan on November 26, 1986 at Rabat at a dinner hosted to him at the royal palace. Dignitaries like His Royal Highness Prince Bender bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister of Morocco, Azeddina Laraki etc. were also present in the ceremony. On October 26, 1988, Italy's President Francesco Cossiga invested the Imam the title of The Order of the Cavaliere del Lavoro at Rome, and he was the first Muslim to be so honoured in Italy. On November 7, 1990, the French President Francois Mitterand, awarded the Aga Khan at Paris, the highest national honour of Commander of the Legion d'Honneur, established by Nepoleon Bonaparte in 1802.
The World Monuments Fund recently honoured the Aga Khan IV with its prestigious Hadrian Award for his vigorous and fruitful efforts to preserve and revitalise historic cities in Islamic world on October 28, 1996 at New York.
In the 2003 New Year Honours list he was named Knight Commander in the Order of the British Empire [KBE] "for services to international development, especially in Asia and Africa, and to UK-French relations."
Other examples of note include the 2005 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Philanthropy, the 2005 Die Quadriga and the 2005 Vincent Scully Prize. He was also named Honorary Companion of the Order of Canada, one of only five non-Canadians ever to receive this honour.
On August 13, 2007, the Aga Khan became a Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya.
On April 23, 2008, His Highness the Aga Khan was awarded the Grand Cross of the National Order of Mali by President Amadou Toumani Touré during a state banquet at the President’s Palace at Koulouba.
BLiTZ Information
Registration No. DA-5025, Volume - 3, Issue - 22, Wednesday May 14, 2008
Current Bangladesh Time: 1:34:44 AM (Mon)
Aga Khan to visit Bangladesh
Srabanti Majumder
Leader of the Aga Khan Community in the world, Prince Karim Aga Khan is expected to arrive in Bangladesh on 19 May on a 3-day visit. Bangladesh will accord VVIP [Highest Official Status] to him during his visit. A gazette notification was already issued in Dhaka on May 12 in this regard.
Karim al-Hussayni, Aga Khan IV KBE, CC, GCC, born in December 13, 1936 is the current [49th] Im?m of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims. He has been in this position, and held the title of Aga Khan, since July 11, 1957. The Ismailis are ethnically and culturally diverse and reside in over 35 countries around the world. A modern Muslim leader, the Aga Khan is responsible for the interpretation of the faith for his followers and as part of the office of the Imamate, he endeavors to improve the quality of their lives and of the communities in which they live. In the Shia tradition of Islam, it is the mandate of the Imam of the time to safeguard the individual's right to personal intellectual search and to give practical expression to the ethical vision of society that the Islamic message inspires.
The Aga Khan is referred to by members of his community as Mawlana Hazar Imam. He traces his lineage to the Prophet Muhammad through Muhammad's daughter Fatima and her husband `Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first Shi`a Imam. Since his ascension to the Imamat, the Aga Khan has witnessed complex political and economic changes which have affected his followers, including independence of African countries from colonial rule, expulsion of Asians from Uganda, the independence of Central Asian countries such as Tajikistan from the former Soviet Union, and the continuing turmoil in Afghanistan and Pakistan
The Aga Khan has been particularly interested in the elimination of global poverty; the advancement of the status of women; the promotion of Islamic culture, art, and architecture; and furthering pluralistic values in society. He is the founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, one of the largest private development networks in the world, which works towards social, economic, and cultural development in Asia and Africa.
The Aga Khan is founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network [AKDN], one of the largest private development networks in the world. Its partners include numerous governments and several international organizations. AKDN agencies operate in social and economic development as well as in the field of culture, with special focus on countries of the Third World.
The network includes the Aga Khan University [AKU], the University of Central Asia [UCA], the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development [AKFED], the Aga Khan Trust for Culture [AKTC], the Aga Khan Foundation [AKF], the Aga Khan Health Services [AKHS], the Aga Khan Education Services [AKES], the Aga Khan Planning and Building Services [AKPBS], the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance [AKAM], and more. The Aga Khan Award for Architecture [AKAA] is the largest architectural award in the world.
In addition, Focus Humanitarian Assistance [FOCUS], an affiliate of the AKDN, is responsible for emergency response in the face of disaster. Recent examples include the massive earthquake in Pakistan [AKDN earthquake response] and the South Asian Tsunami.
He is also the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Institute of Ismaili Studies, which he founded in 1977.
Significant recent or current projects led by the Aga Khan include the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat on Sussex Drive in Ottawa, Canada, the Global Centre for Pluralism [GCP] in Ottawa, Canada, the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, the Al-Azhar Park in Cairo, Egypt, and a network of full IB residential schools known as the Aga Khan Academies [AKA]. In 2002, Aga Khan pledged $75 million for the rebuilding of Afghanistan. The pledge was the largest by any single donor and more than many countries.
The Aga Khan has been recognized by several national and international organizations for his service to humanity.
In an audience with Queen Elizabeth II on July 26, 1957, Her Majesty addressed the Aga Khan as Your Highness in recognition of the Aga Khan's royal status. On August 12, 1957, the Sultan of Zanzibar invested the title of Brilliant Star of Zanzibar. During his visit to Iran for ten days, the Shah of Iran awarded him the title of His Royal Highness on October 24, 1959. He visited Goa for the first time, where the Portuguese government conferred the title of Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry on October 27, 1960. The President of Ivory Coast decorated the Aga Khan with the title of Grand Cross of the National Order on August 4, 1965. On his way to Europe, the Aga Khan alighted at Ugadaught, the capital of Upper Volta in West Africa, when the President awarded him title of National Order on August 5, 1965. He arrived in Tananarive, the capital of Malagasy, where the President awarded him the title of Grand Cross of the National Order of Malagache Republic on November 15, 1966. The President of Comore Island, Sayed Muhammad Shaikh awarded the Aga Khan the title of Grand Cross of the Green Crescent on November 20, 1966. It was his first visit to Pakistan with his wife when the President of Pakistan granted the title of Nishan-e-Imtiaz on January 15, 1970. The Prime Minister of Italy, Giulio Andreotti had personally received the Aga Khan on December 8, 1977 at the Palazzo Chigi, and awarded Italy's highest national award, namely Order of the Knight of the Grand Cross in recognition of his role in the development of Sardinia's economy. The Aga Khan was also honoured the title of Gran Croce Della Republica Italiana by the government of Italy in 1978. His Majesty King Hasan II of Morocco conferred the grand cordon of Ouissam al-Arch, the highest Moroccon honour upon the Aga Khan on November 26, 1986 at Rabat at a dinner hosted to him at the royal palace. Dignitaries like His Royal Highness Prince Bender bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister of Morocco, Azeddina Laraki etc. were also present in the ceremony. On October 26, 1988, Italy's President Francesco Cossiga invested the Imam the title of The Order of the Cavaliere del Lavoro at Rome, and he was the first Muslim to be so honoured in Italy. On November 7, 1990, the French President Francois Mitterand, awarded the Aga Khan at Paris, the highest national honour of Commander of the Legion d'Honneur, established by Nepoleon Bonaparte in 1802.
The World Monuments Fund recently honoured the Aga Khan IV with its prestigious Hadrian Award for his vigorous and fruitful efforts to preserve and revitalise historic cities in Islamic world on October 28, 1996 at New York.
In the 2003 New Year Honours list he was named Knight Commander in the Order of the British Empire [KBE] "for services to international development, especially in Asia and Africa, and to UK-French relations."
Other examples of note include the 2005 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Philanthropy, the 2005 Die Quadriga and the 2005 Vincent Scully Prize. He was also named Honorary Companion of the Order of Canada, one of only five non-Canadians ever to receive this honour.
On August 13, 2007, the Aga Khan became a Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya.
On April 23, 2008, His Highness the Aga Khan was awarded the Grand Cross of the National Order of Mali by President Amadou Toumani Touré during a state banquet at the President’s Palace at Koulouba.
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show ... adesh.html
Ismaili leader Aga Khan begins four-day visit to Bangladesh
Posted on : 2008-05-19 | Author : DPA
News Category : Asia
Dhaka - Aga Khan, the leader of Ismaili Muslims across the world, arrived in Dhaka on Monday to a rousing welcome at the start of a four-day visit to Bangladesh, officials said. Fakhruddin Ahmed, the de facto prime minister of the interim government, was at the airport along with other senior officials to greet the head of the Ismailis, a group who live as permanent residents in some 25 countries.
The airport was bedecked by flowers and festoons as the Aga Khan stepped down to a red-carpet reception.
Local Ismaili officials said the visit to Bangladesh marked the golden jubilee celebrations of his becoming the Imam of the Ismailis.
The Aga Khan, who enjoys the royal title of Prince as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, is expected to hold talks with President Iajuddin Ahmad and other government leaders in the caretaker regime.
The highlight of the visit is a foundation stone laying ceremony for an exclusive convention and religious centre in Dhaka for the Ismailis, known as the Jamaat Khana.
Ismaili leader Aga Khan begins four-day visit to Bangladesh
Posted on : 2008-05-19 | Author : DPA
News Category : Asia
Dhaka - Aga Khan, the leader of Ismaili Muslims across the world, arrived in Dhaka on Monday to a rousing welcome at the start of a four-day visit to Bangladesh, officials said. Fakhruddin Ahmed, the de facto prime minister of the interim government, was at the airport along with other senior officials to greet the head of the Ismailis, a group who live as permanent residents in some 25 countries.
The airport was bedecked by flowers and festoons as the Aga Khan stepped down to a red-carpet reception.
Local Ismaili officials said the visit to Bangladesh marked the golden jubilee celebrations of his becoming the Imam of the Ismailis.
The Aga Khan, who enjoys the royal title of Prince as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, is expected to hold talks with President Iajuddin Ahmad and other government leaders in the caretaker regime.
The highlight of the visit is a foundation stone laying ceremony for an exclusive convention and religious centre in Dhaka for the Ismailis, known as the Jamaat Khana.
Aga Khan in Dhaka
Mon, May 19th, 2008 6:04 pm BdST
Dhaka, May 19 (bdnews24.com)—Prince Karim Aga Khan, leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, arrived in Dhaka Monday by private plane to a red carpet reception and was greeted by chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed at the airport.
The Aga Khan, who landed at Zia International Airport at 1.30pm, was driven to the Sonargaon Hotel where he will stay during his four-day visit.
A contingent of the Armed Forces accorded the Aga Khan a guard of honour at the airport.
Some local members of the Ismaili community, waving the Bangladesh and Ismaili community flags, lined the road leading to the VVIP terminal to welcome the Aga Khan.
The Aga Khan's first port of call was the National Memorial in Savar, where he paid his respects to the heroes of the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Following that, he met chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed at his office at around 3.30 in the afternoon.
He will release a stamp at the state banquet in Sonargaon Hotel Monday night.
To celebrate the Aga Khan's arrival in Dhaka, major roads in the capital were decorated with flags and a number of banners welcoming the Price were erected on city bridges.
The visit follows an invitation from the chief adviser, and is part of the celebrations to mark the Aga Khan's 50th anniversary as the hereditary and spiritual leader (Imam) of the Shia Ismaili community.
The Aga Khan is also founder and chairperson of the Aga Khan Development Network, one of the largest private development networks in the world.
During his visit, he is expected to meet president Iajuddin Ahmed, foreign adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury and law adviser AF Hassan Ariff among others.
On Tuesday, the Aga Khan is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of the Aga Khan Academy at a site in the Bashundhara residential area.
He will leave Dhaka at 4.30 pm on May 22.
bdnews24.com/krc/am/1754 hours
Aga Khan arrives in Dhaka Monday
Sun, May 18th, 2008 8:14 pm BdST
Dhaka, May 18 (bdnews24.com)—The Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary (spiritual imam) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, arrives in Dhaka Monday on a four-day state visit.
The Prince Aga Khan is visiting Bangladesh at the invitation of chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed.
The Aga Khan will meet president Iajuddin Ahmed, foreign adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, law adviser AF Hassan Ariff, finance adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam and education adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman, the foreign ministry said in a statement Sunday.
The Aga Khan will visit Bangladesh as part of the commemoration of his 50th anniversary as the imam of the Ismaili community.
He acceded to the Ismaili Imamat, succeeding his grandfather Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan in 1957.
The Shia Ismaili Muslims are an ethnically and culturally diverse community, with their members living in 25 countries.
The Aga Khan is the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of private, non-denominational development agencies working to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions of people in Sub-Saharan Africa and, Central and South Asia and the Middle East.
"The Aga Khan will lay the foundation stone of a school in Bashundhara and the Ismaili Jamatkhana and centre in Dhaka," the Press Information Department said in a statement.
The Aga Khan is based in Paris.
bdnews24.com/krc/ad/2009 hours
Mon, May 19th, 2008 6:04 pm BdST
Dhaka, May 19 (bdnews24.com)—Prince Karim Aga Khan, leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, arrived in Dhaka Monday by private plane to a red carpet reception and was greeted by chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed at the airport.
The Aga Khan, who landed at Zia International Airport at 1.30pm, was driven to the Sonargaon Hotel where he will stay during his four-day visit.
A contingent of the Armed Forces accorded the Aga Khan a guard of honour at the airport.
Some local members of the Ismaili community, waving the Bangladesh and Ismaili community flags, lined the road leading to the VVIP terminal to welcome the Aga Khan.
The Aga Khan's first port of call was the National Memorial in Savar, where he paid his respects to the heroes of the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Following that, he met chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed at his office at around 3.30 in the afternoon.
He will release a stamp at the state banquet in Sonargaon Hotel Monday night.
To celebrate the Aga Khan's arrival in Dhaka, major roads in the capital were decorated with flags and a number of banners welcoming the Price were erected on city bridges.
The visit follows an invitation from the chief adviser, and is part of the celebrations to mark the Aga Khan's 50th anniversary as the hereditary and spiritual leader (Imam) of the Shia Ismaili community.
The Aga Khan is also founder and chairperson of the Aga Khan Development Network, one of the largest private development networks in the world.
During his visit, he is expected to meet president Iajuddin Ahmed, foreign adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury and law adviser AF Hassan Ariff among others.
On Tuesday, the Aga Khan is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of the Aga Khan Academy at a site in the Bashundhara residential area.
He will leave Dhaka at 4.30 pm on May 22.
bdnews24.com/krc/am/1754 hours
Aga Khan arrives in Dhaka Monday
Sun, May 18th, 2008 8:14 pm BdST
Dhaka, May 18 (bdnews24.com)—The Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary (spiritual imam) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, arrives in Dhaka Monday on a four-day state visit.
The Prince Aga Khan is visiting Bangladesh at the invitation of chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed.
The Aga Khan will meet president Iajuddin Ahmed, foreign adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, law adviser AF Hassan Ariff, finance adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam and education adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman, the foreign ministry said in a statement Sunday.
The Aga Khan will visit Bangladesh as part of the commemoration of his 50th anniversary as the imam of the Ismaili community.
He acceded to the Ismaili Imamat, succeeding his grandfather Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan in 1957.
The Shia Ismaili Muslims are an ethnically and culturally diverse community, with their members living in 25 countries.
The Aga Khan is the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of private, non-denominational development agencies working to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions of people in Sub-Saharan Africa and, Central and South Asia and the Middle East.
"The Aga Khan will lay the foundation stone of a school in Bashundhara and the Ismaili Jamatkhana and centre in Dhaka," the Press Information Department said in a statement.
The Aga Khan is based in Paris.
bdnews24.com/krc/ad/2009 hours
Ismaili leader Aga Khan begins four-day visit to Bangladesh
May 19, 2008, 11:12 GMT
Dhaka - Aga Khan, the leader of Ismaili Muslims across the world, arrived in Dhaka on Monday to a rousing welcome at the start of a four-day visit to Bangladesh, officials said.
Fakhruddin Ahmed, the de facto prime minister of the interim government, was at the airport along with other senior officials to greet the head of the Ismailis, a group who live as permanent residents in some 25 countries.
The airport was bedecked by flowers and festoons as the Aga Khan stepped down to a red-carpet reception.
Local Ismaili officials said the visit to Bangladesh marked the golden jubilee celebrations of his becoming the Imam of the Ismailis.
The Aga Khan, who enjoys the royal title of Prince as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, is expected to hold talks with President Iajuddin Ahmad and other government leaders in the caretaker regime.
The highlight of the visit is a foundation stone laying ceremony for an exclusive convention and religious centre in Dhaka for the Ismailis, known as the Jamaat Khana.
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/ ... Bangladesh
CLICK HERE NEWS IN BENGOLI AND PHOTO
http://www.jaijaidin.com/details.php?nid=70529
Ismaili leader Aga Khan begins four-day visit to Bangladesh
May 19, 2008, 11:12 GMT
Dhaka - Aga Khan, the leader of Ismaili Muslims across the world, arrived in Dhaka on Monday to a rousing welcome at the start of a four-day visit to Bangladesh, officials said.
Fakhruddin Ahmed, the de facto prime minister of the interim government, was at the airport along with other senior officials to greet the head of the Ismailis, a group who live as permanent residents in some 25 countries.
The airport was bedecked by flowers and festoons as the Aga Khan stepped down to a red-carpet reception.
Local Ismaili officials said the visit to Bangladesh marked the golden jubilee celebrations of his becoming the Imam of the Ismailis.
The Aga Khan, who enjoys the royal title of Prince as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, is expected to hold talks with President Iajuddin Ahmad and other government leaders in the caretaker regime.
The highlight of the visit is a foundation stone laying ceremony for an exclusive convention and religious centre in Dhaka for the Ismailis, known as the Jamaat Khana.
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/ ... Bangladesh
CLICK HERE NEWS IN BENGOLI AND PHOTO
http://www.jaijaidin.com/details.php?nid=70529
Prince Aga Khan due today
Unb, Dhaka
Prince Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, arrives Dhaka today on a four-day state visit.
Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed will receive him at Zia International airport.
Price Aga Khan's visit marks the golden jubilee of his Imamat. He became the Imam on July 11, 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan.
Prince Aga Khan will call on President Iajuddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed and hold meetings with several advisers.
He will visit National Memorial at Savar and attend a state banquet at Hotel Sonargaon today. He will also host diplomatic reception and Imamat banquet at the same venue tomorrow.
Prince Aga Khan will lay the foundation of the Aga Khan Academy at Basundhara tomorrow and the permanent Jamatkhana of the community on May 21.
The Aga Khan Academy will be built on 21 acres of land at a cost of around US$ 50 million to teach brilliant students from the primary to the secondary level and impart training to teachers.
An official of the Aga Khan Foundation said some 750 to 1200 Bangladeshi students will be admitted to the Academy on the basis of merit. The medium of teaching will be both Bangla and English.
As part of the commemoration of Prince Aga Khan's Golden Jubilee which began on July 11 last year, he has been paying official visits to some 35 countries, using these occasions to recognise the friendship and longstanding support of leaders of state, government and other partners in the work of the Ismaili Imamat, and to set the direction for the future, including the launching and laying of foundations for major initiatives and programmes.
Like his grandfather Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan before him, the Aga Khan has been concerned about the well-being of all Muslims, particularly in the face of the challenges of rapid historical changes.
Today, the Ismailis live in some 25 countries, mainly in West and Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as in North America and Western Europe.
Over the four decades since the present Aga Khan became Imam, there have been major political and economic changes in most of these areas.
The Aga Khan has emphasised the view of Islam as a thinking, spiritual faith, one that teaches compassion and tolerance and that upholds the dignity of man, Allah's noblest creation.
http://www.newagebd.com/front.html#18
http://www.bssnews.net/index.php?genID= ... -18&id=255
May 19, 2008, 11:12 GMT
Dhaka - Aga Khan, the leader of Ismaili Muslims across the world, arrived in Dhaka on Monday to a rousing welcome at the start of a four-day visit to Bangladesh, officials said.
Fakhruddin Ahmed, the de facto prime minister of the interim government, was at the airport along with other senior officials to greet the head of the Ismailis, a group who live as permanent residents in some 25 countries.
The airport was bedecked by flowers and festoons as the Aga Khan stepped down to a red-carpet reception.
Local Ismaili officials said the visit to Bangladesh marked the golden jubilee celebrations of his becoming the Imam of the Ismailis.
The Aga Khan, who enjoys the royal title of Prince as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, is expected to hold talks with President Iajuddin Ahmad and other government leaders in the caretaker regime.
The highlight of the visit is a foundation stone laying ceremony for an exclusive convention and religious centre in Dhaka for the Ismailis, known as the Jamaat Khana.
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/ ... Bangladesh
CLICK HERE NEWS IN BENGOLI AND PHOTO
http://www.jaijaidin.com/details.php?nid=70529
Ismaili leader Aga Khan begins four-day visit to Bangladesh
May 19, 2008, 11:12 GMT
Dhaka - Aga Khan, the leader of Ismaili Muslims across the world, arrived in Dhaka on Monday to a rousing welcome at the start of a four-day visit to Bangladesh, officials said.
Fakhruddin Ahmed, the de facto prime minister of the interim government, was at the airport along with other senior officials to greet the head of the Ismailis, a group who live as permanent residents in some 25 countries.
The airport was bedecked by flowers and festoons as the Aga Khan stepped down to a red-carpet reception.
Local Ismaili officials said the visit to Bangladesh marked the golden jubilee celebrations of his becoming the Imam of the Ismailis.
The Aga Khan, who enjoys the royal title of Prince as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, is expected to hold talks with President Iajuddin Ahmad and other government leaders in the caretaker regime.
The highlight of the visit is a foundation stone laying ceremony for an exclusive convention and religious centre in Dhaka for the Ismailis, known as the Jamaat Khana.
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Prince Aga Khan due today
Unb, Dhaka
Prince Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, arrives Dhaka today on a four-day state visit.
Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed will receive him at Zia International airport.
Price Aga Khan's visit marks the golden jubilee of his Imamat. He became the Imam on July 11, 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan.
Prince Aga Khan will call on President Iajuddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed and hold meetings with several advisers.
He will visit National Memorial at Savar and attend a state banquet at Hotel Sonargaon today. He will also host diplomatic reception and Imamat banquet at the same venue tomorrow.
Prince Aga Khan will lay the foundation of the Aga Khan Academy at Basundhara tomorrow and the permanent Jamatkhana of the community on May 21.
The Aga Khan Academy will be built on 21 acres of land at a cost of around US$ 50 million to teach brilliant students from the primary to the secondary level and impart training to teachers.
An official of the Aga Khan Foundation said some 750 to 1200 Bangladeshi students will be admitted to the Academy on the basis of merit. The medium of teaching will be both Bangla and English.
As part of the commemoration of Prince Aga Khan's Golden Jubilee which began on July 11 last year, he has been paying official visits to some 35 countries, using these occasions to recognise the friendship and longstanding support of leaders of state, government and other partners in the work of the Ismaili Imamat, and to set the direction for the future, including the launching and laying of foundations for major initiatives and programmes.
Like his grandfather Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan before him, the Aga Khan has been concerned about the well-being of all Muslims, particularly in the face of the challenges of rapid historical changes.
Today, the Ismailis live in some 25 countries, mainly in West and Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as in North America and Western Europe.
Over the four decades since the present Aga Khan became Imam, there have been major political and economic changes in most of these areas.
The Aga Khan has emphasised the view of Islam as a thinking, spiritual faith, one that teaches compassion and tolerance and that upholds the dignity of man, Allah's noblest creation.
http://www.newagebd.com/front.html#18
http://www.bssnews.net/index.php?genID= ... -18&id=255
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 02:53 AM GMT+06:00
http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=37391
Govt working to empower people
Says CA at banquet for Aga Khan
Unb, Dhaka
Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed accompanies Prince Karim Aga Khan as he exchanges greetings with representatives of the Ismaili community in Bangladesh at Zia International Airport on his arrival on a 4-state day visit. Photo: STAR
Chief Adviser (CA) Fakhruddin Ahmed last night said his government is working relentlessly and uncompromisingly to empower people and ensure their right to choose their representatives without fear or intimidation.
“We are in the final phase of achieving desired political aspiration. We are confident that a free, fair and credible election will be held as per the announced roadmap. We are also positive that our reforms and initiatives will be sustainable. To this end, the government will soon meet the representatives of political parties to discuss all relevant issues,” he told a state banquet.
The CA hosted the banquet in honour of Prince Karim Aga Khan, Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslims, at Sonargaon Hotel.
“We are now passing through a critical period as we are looking to fulfil our promise for a meaningful and sustainable democracy. We believe that democracy is not just about elections and installing new governments at pre-determined intervals: It is also about empowering people and ensuring their rights - right to choose their representatives without fear or intimidation,” he told the function.
Prince Karim Aga Khan also addressed the banquet, attended by the entourage of the prince, advisers, noted personalities from different professions, diplomats and senior civil and military officials.
At the outset of the function, the CA flanked by Prince Aga Khan released four commemorative stamps and the first day cover, marking the golden jubilee of imamat of Price Karim Aga Khan.
Fakhruddin, whose government is carrying out comprehensive reforms in the interim period against the backdrop of the past political crisis, further noted that democracy is also about the right to enjoy the fruits of economic growth and development.
“To safeguard these rights, it is imperative to establish the rule of law, eradicate corruption, improve law and order and render the organs of government, including the judiciary, more effective and accountable,” he said, reminding that his government assumed office on January 12, 2007 against the backdrop of a looming political catastrophe.
According a warm welcome to Prince Karim Aga Khan, the CA recalled the prince- funded many projects for education, health and social welfare, saying that Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has addressed “many long-term and persistent challenges of our times - poverty, hunger, illiteracy, health and sanitation”.
In Bangladesh, he said, the Aga Khan Foundation has been in operation since 1980. It has been involved with projects across a broad spectrum of activities, encompassing health, education and rural development.
He hoped that the AKDN would be a lasting partner in the country's development efforts.
“There should be a greater emphasis on the sharing of our development experiences. Bangladesh is in a position to work with AKDN, especially in the areas of our common interest. Many of our success stories in the social sector are replicable,” he observed.
The CA mentioned that the prince's first visit to the country took place a half century ago and this visit was as yet another landmark event in the bilateral relations.
He said Karim Aga Khan is known for his laudable role in promoting social, economic and cultural development in Asia and Africa, contributing significantly towards improving the living conditions and opportunities of millions of poor around the world.
-------------
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 02:57 AM GMT+06:00
http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=37386
Continuing spirit of close partnership can materialise major dev agenda
Says Prince Aga Khan
Unb, Dhaka
Prince Karim Aga Khan yesterday said a continuing spirit of close partnership would be required to materialise the major development agenda of Bangladesh.
“The Aga Khan Development Network's agenda for Bangladesh reflect your agenda. To achieve the agenda will require a continuing spirit of close partnership,” he said this while he was addressing a banquet in honour of him.
Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed hosted the state banquet at Hotel Sonargaon.
Aga Khan took note of the strides made here in controlling population growth, developing export trade, establishing micro-credit programmes, improving early childhood care, extending education, especially for women, and fighting corruption - in addition to doubling per capita GDP over the past two decades.
He said the challenge now is to make development both sustainable and equitable, so that it fairly benefits people of all classes, cultures and regions.
In a knowledge society, he said, the most productive investments 'we can make are investments in education. And education is another priority we share with the Bangladeshi people.'
He said he thinks appropriate that one of his central purposes on this visit will be to lay the foundation stone of a new Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka.
He said this school would be one mode in a network of 18 high-quality schools located throughout the developing world, global in outlook, but deeply rooted in the local culture, providing a world-class education for boys and girls of all backgrounds, independent of ability to pay.
“It will educate promising students and develop inspiring teachers. It will be a strong educational resource for the entire country,” he said.
He mentioned that his grandfather built on this tradition by founding a network of some 300 educational institutions, including Aligarh University in India. “And we renewed this commitment more recently through the founding of The Aga Khan University and the University of Central Asia.”
Referring to celebration of a half century as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims he said his visit to Bangladesh is an important part of that celebration.
“When I inherited my office five decades up from my Grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, I also inherited the special feeling he had for this part of the world.”
“I remember in particular his response to the partition of India, when he actively encouraged a large number of members of the Ismaili Community to settle in what was then East Pakistan. They found a warm welcome here, and were pleased in integrate fully into Bengali life,” he told the function.
He noted that the spirit of partnership in turn has reflected the spirit of pluralism which also characterises this society -- the readiness of people to work creatively, side by side, with those who are different from them.
“As we look to the future of development in Bangladesh, it is important to be realistic about the challenges. But it is also important to remember the distance which has been traveled and the building blocks which are already in place.”
Aga Khan offers community services
Earlier, Prince Aga Khan offered his community's services to build bridge between Bangladesh and central Asian countries for promoting socioeconomic relations.
He also expressed his interest in investing in various socioeconomic sectors, including financial services, education, and health, in Bangladesh.
The spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, who arrived in Dhaka earlier in the day on a four-day visit to Bangladesh, made the offer when he called on CA at his office in the afternoon and discussed various socioeconomic maters.
Before formal meeting, the CA and the prince had a one-to-one parley for a while at the CA's office.
Responding to Aga Khan, Fakhruddin said Bangladesh would definitely try to take advantage of the support of the Aga Khan community in expanding trade and investment opportunities in the central Asian countries.
Prince Aga Khan, who last came to Bangladesh in 1993, said they basically focused on standard education at primary and secondary levels and try to harness talents of students to make them best educated and skilled.
In this regard, he mentioned setting up of an educational academy in Dhaka which will be centre of excellence in education where poor meritorious students will also have access.
Listing a number of promising sectors for investment, like banking, telecommunications and agro-processing industries, the CA said the members of Aga Khan Community could take advantage of investment in these areas.
He also made a request for establishing hospital in Bangladesh as it has tremendous prospects and huge number of patients.
Responding positively, the prince said they have set up world-class health centres in Kabul, Karachi and Kazakhstan.
The CA appreciated various socioeconomic activities in Bangladesh by Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
During the meeting the CA asked for revival of the once-popular Aga Khan Gold Cup Football Tournament in Dhaka. Prince Karim Aga Khan responded positively.
The prince said they have investment in health service, education, leather, financial service, microfinance, industry, rural development and rural energy industry.
CA's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim, who was present at the meeting, briefed newsmen about the outcome of the talks.
Shafik Sachedina, director of diplomatic affairs, and Habib Hirji, president of Aga Khan Council for Bangladesh, were present on the prince side while Foreign Adviser
Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Principal Secretary to the CA Ali Imam Majumder and Secretary to CA's Office Kazi Aminul Islam were on CA's side.
On his arrival at Zia International Airport (ZIA) at around 1.30pm, a red carpet reception was accorded to the prince.
Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed received the distinguished guest at VVIP tarmac.
A smartly turned out contingent drawn from army, navy and air force gave a guard of honour to Prince Aga Khan. He took salute standing on a decorated podium at the tarmac and then inspected the guard of honour.
Later, the chief adviser introduced his cabinet members with Aga Khan on the presentation line, while other members were introduced by the chief of protocol. President of Aga Khan Council also introduced the members of the council with the prince on the presentation line.
Finance Adviser Mirza Azizul Islam, LGRD Adviser M Anwarul Iqbal, Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Ambassador of Switzerland and Dean of diplomatic corps Dora Rapold, Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumder, Quarter Master General of Bangladesh Army Lt Gen Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Naval Chief Vice Admiral Sarwar Jahan Nizam, Air Force Chief Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman and senior civil and military official were also present on the presentation line.
Bangladesh's Ismaili Muslims, carrying Bangladeshi and their own community flags in front of the VVIP terminal, greeted Price Karim Aga Khan.
Later, a ceremonial motorcade took Aga Khan to Tejgaon Old Airport from where he flew to Savar National Memorial to pay respect to the martyred freedom fighters of the Independence War.
http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=37391
Govt working to empower people
Says CA at banquet for Aga Khan
Unb, Dhaka
Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed accompanies Prince Karim Aga Khan as he exchanges greetings with representatives of the Ismaili community in Bangladesh at Zia International Airport on his arrival on a 4-state day visit. Photo: STAR
Chief Adviser (CA) Fakhruddin Ahmed last night said his government is working relentlessly and uncompromisingly to empower people and ensure their right to choose their representatives without fear or intimidation.
“We are in the final phase of achieving desired political aspiration. We are confident that a free, fair and credible election will be held as per the announced roadmap. We are also positive that our reforms and initiatives will be sustainable. To this end, the government will soon meet the representatives of political parties to discuss all relevant issues,” he told a state banquet.
The CA hosted the banquet in honour of Prince Karim Aga Khan, Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslims, at Sonargaon Hotel.
“We are now passing through a critical period as we are looking to fulfil our promise for a meaningful and sustainable democracy. We believe that democracy is not just about elections and installing new governments at pre-determined intervals: It is also about empowering people and ensuring their rights - right to choose their representatives without fear or intimidation,” he told the function.
Prince Karim Aga Khan also addressed the banquet, attended by the entourage of the prince, advisers, noted personalities from different professions, diplomats and senior civil and military officials.
At the outset of the function, the CA flanked by Prince Aga Khan released four commemorative stamps and the first day cover, marking the golden jubilee of imamat of Price Karim Aga Khan.
Fakhruddin, whose government is carrying out comprehensive reforms in the interim period against the backdrop of the past political crisis, further noted that democracy is also about the right to enjoy the fruits of economic growth and development.
“To safeguard these rights, it is imperative to establish the rule of law, eradicate corruption, improve law and order and render the organs of government, including the judiciary, more effective and accountable,” he said, reminding that his government assumed office on January 12, 2007 against the backdrop of a looming political catastrophe.
According a warm welcome to Prince Karim Aga Khan, the CA recalled the prince- funded many projects for education, health and social welfare, saying that Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has addressed “many long-term and persistent challenges of our times - poverty, hunger, illiteracy, health and sanitation”.
In Bangladesh, he said, the Aga Khan Foundation has been in operation since 1980. It has been involved with projects across a broad spectrum of activities, encompassing health, education and rural development.
He hoped that the AKDN would be a lasting partner in the country's development efforts.
“There should be a greater emphasis on the sharing of our development experiences. Bangladesh is in a position to work with AKDN, especially in the areas of our common interest. Many of our success stories in the social sector are replicable,” he observed.
The CA mentioned that the prince's first visit to the country took place a half century ago and this visit was as yet another landmark event in the bilateral relations.
He said Karim Aga Khan is known for his laudable role in promoting social, economic and cultural development in Asia and Africa, contributing significantly towards improving the living conditions and opportunities of millions of poor around the world.
-------------
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 02:57 AM GMT+06:00
http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=37386
Continuing spirit of close partnership can materialise major dev agenda
Says Prince Aga Khan
Unb, Dhaka
Prince Karim Aga Khan yesterday said a continuing spirit of close partnership would be required to materialise the major development agenda of Bangladesh.
“The Aga Khan Development Network's agenda for Bangladesh reflect your agenda. To achieve the agenda will require a continuing spirit of close partnership,” he said this while he was addressing a banquet in honour of him.
Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed hosted the state banquet at Hotel Sonargaon.
Aga Khan took note of the strides made here in controlling population growth, developing export trade, establishing micro-credit programmes, improving early childhood care, extending education, especially for women, and fighting corruption - in addition to doubling per capita GDP over the past two decades.
He said the challenge now is to make development both sustainable and equitable, so that it fairly benefits people of all classes, cultures and regions.
In a knowledge society, he said, the most productive investments 'we can make are investments in education. And education is another priority we share with the Bangladeshi people.'
He said he thinks appropriate that one of his central purposes on this visit will be to lay the foundation stone of a new Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka.
He said this school would be one mode in a network of 18 high-quality schools located throughout the developing world, global in outlook, but deeply rooted in the local culture, providing a world-class education for boys and girls of all backgrounds, independent of ability to pay.
“It will educate promising students and develop inspiring teachers. It will be a strong educational resource for the entire country,” he said.
He mentioned that his grandfather built on this tradition by founding a network of some 300 educational institutions, including Aligarh University in India. “And we renewed this commitment more recently through the founding of The Aga Khan University and the University of Central Asia.”
Referring to celebration of a half century as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims he said his visit to Bangladesh is an important part of that celebration.
“When I inherited my office five decades up from my Grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, I also inherited the special feeling he had for this part of the world.”
“I remember in particular his response to the partition of India, when he actively encouraged a large number of members of the Ismaili Community to settle in what was then East Pakistan. They found a warm welcome here, and were pleased in integrate fully into Bengali life,” he told the function.
He noted that the spirit of partnership in turn has reflected the spirit of pluralism which also characterises this society -- the readiness of people to work creatively, side by side, with those who are different from them.
“As we look to the future of development in Bangladesh, it is important to be realistic about the challenges. But it is also important to remember the distance which has been traveled and the building blocks which are already in place.”
Aga Khan offers community services
Earlier, Prince Aga Khan offered his community's services to build bridge between Bangladesh and central Asian countries for promoting socioeconomic relations.
He also expressed his interest in investing in various socioeconomic sectors, including financial services, education, and health, in Bangladesh.
The spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, who arrived in Dhaka earlier in the day on a four-day visit to Bangladesh, made the offer when he called on CA at his office in the afternoon and discussed various socioeconomic maters.
Before formal meeting, the CA and the prince had a one-to-one parley for a while at the CA's office.
Responding to Aga Khan, Fakhruddin said Bangladesh would definitely try to take advantage of the support of the Aga Khan community in expanding trade and investment opportunities in the central Asian countries.
Prince Aga Khan, who last came to Bangladesh in 1993, said they basically focused on standard education at primary and secondary levels and try to harness talents of students to make them best educated and skilled.
In this regard, he mentioned setting up of an educational academy in Dhaka which will be centre of excellence in education where poor meritorious students will also have access.
Listing a number of promising sectors for investment, like banking, telecommunications and agro-processing industries, the CA said the members of Aga Khan Community could take advantage of investment in these areas.
He also made a request for establishing hospital in Bangladesh as it has tremendous prospects and huge number of patients.
Responding positively, the prince said they have set up world-class health centres in Kabul, Karachi and Kazakhstan.
The CA appreciated various socioeconomic activities in Bangladesh by Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
During the meeting the CA asked for revival of the once-popular Aga Khan Gold Cup Football Tournament in Dhaka. Prince Karim Aga Khan responded positively.
The prince said they have investment in health service, education, leather, financial service, microfinance, industry, rural development and rural energy industry.
CA's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim, who was present at the meeting, briefed newsmen about the outcome of the talks.
Shafik Sachedina, director of diplomatic affairs, and Habib Hirji, president of Aga Khan Council for Bangladesh, were present on the prince side while Foreign Adviser
Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Principal Secretary to the CA Ali Imam Majumder and Secretary to CA's Office Kazi Aminul Islam were on CA's side.
On his arrival at Zia International Airport (ZIA) at around 1.30pm, a red carpet reception was accorded to the prince.
Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed received the distinguished guest at VVIP tarmac.
A smartly turned out contingent drawn from army, navy and air force gave a guard of honour to Prince Aga Khan. He took salute standing on a decorated podium at the tarmac and then inspected the guard of honour.
Later, the chief adviser introduced his cabinet members with Aga Khan on the presentation line, while other members were introduced by the chief of protocol. President of Aga Khan Council also introduced the members of the council with the prince on the presentation line.
Finance Adviser Mirza Azizul Islam, LGRD Adviser M Anwarul Iqbal, Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Ambassador of Switzerland and Dean of diplomatic corps Dora Rapold, Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumder, Quarter Master General of Bangladesh Army Lt Gen Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Naval Chief Vice Admiral Sarwar Jahan Nizam, Air Force Chief Air Marshal SM Ziaur Rahman and senior civil and military official were also present on the presentation line.
Bangladesh's Ismaili Muslims, carrying Bangladeshi and their own community flags in front of the VVIP terminal, greeted Price Karim Aga Khan.
Later, a ceremonial motorcade took Aga Khan to Tejgaon Old Airport from where he flew to Savar National Memorial to pay respect to the martyred freedom fighters of the Independence War.
Posted Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:12 am
http://bdnews24.com/details.php?cid=2&id=52782
Aga Khan promises to work as 'export link'
Mon, May 19th, 2008 10:13 pm BdST
Dhaka, May 19 (bdnews24.com) –In a meeting with the chief adviser Monday, Prince Karim Aga Khan said he is keen to act as a bridge to create more markets for Bangladeshi goods in Central Asia.
The Aga Khan also expressed an interest in investing in Bangladesh's education sector by establishing a world-class institution in Dhaka, the chief adviser's press secretary Syed Fahim Munaim told reporters after the meeting.
After a private discussion between the Prince and the chief adviser, a more formal meeting got underway, also attended by foreign affairs adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, special assistant Devasish Roy and Munaim among others.
"The chief adviser informed the Aga Khan that there was scope for investment in the economic sector and work in the development sector," said the press secretary.
"The Aga Khan said they want to encourage those with merit, and in particular, they wish to patronise primary and secondary school pupils."
The visiting spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims said his organisation had been working towards economic development in Pakistan and India among other countries, and they already have a project in Bangladesh named IPDC, (Industrial Promotion and Development Company), a non-banking financial institution.
The chief adviser said: "There is scope for work in the economic sector in our country. Three state-run banks have been made into public limited companies."
"Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board has also been turned into a public limited company so that private entrepreneurs can invest in the telecommunication sector," Fakhruddin was quoted as saying.
The chief adviser went on to express his hope that Bangladesh would emerge as a middle-income country in the next 15 years, said Munaim.
The chief adviser's press secretary added that Fakhruddin drew attention to possible investments in the health sector, especially nursing.
Prince Karim Aga Khan last visited Bangladesh in 1993.
bdnews24.com/ahd/rb/eh/am/1627 hours
------------------------
http://bdnews24.com/details.php?id=52783&cid=3
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:14 am
CA speaks of democracy at banquet with Aga Khan
Mon, May 19th, 2008 10:43 pm BdST
Dhaka, May 19 (bdnews24.com) - Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed has said democracy is not just about elections, but also about ensuring people's right to choose their representatives without fear or intimidation.
"We believe that democracy is not just about elections and installing new governments at pre-determined intervals," said Fakhruddin at a state banquet in honour of visiting Prince Karim Aga Khan at Sonargaon Hotel Monday.
"It is also about empowering people and ensuring their right to choose their representatives without fear or intimidation."
"Democracy is also about the right to enjoy the fruits of economic growth and development," the chief advisor said.
He went on to stress the importance of establishing the rule of law, the need to eradicate corruption, improve law and order and increase the effectiveness of government and the judiciary.
"We are confident that a free, fair and credible election will be held as per the announced roadmap."
"We are also positive that our reform efforts will be sustainable," the CA said.
Prior to their banquet speeches, Fakhruddin and the Aga Khan released a postal stamp to mark the 50th anniversary of the Prince taking over the role of the Imam to the Shia Ismaili Muslim community.
Referring to a new Aga Khan Academy, which will be built in the capital, the Prince said: "This school will be part of a network of 18 high-quality schools located throughout the developing world."
"They will be global in outlook, but deeply rooted in local culture, providing a world class education for boys and girls of all backgrounds, independent of their ability to pay."
"It will educate promising students and develop inspiring teachers. It will be a strong educational resource for the entire country," said the Aga Khan.
The Prince will lay the foundation stone of the new academy, located in the Bashundhara residential area, on Tuesday.
There are around 20 million Ismaili Muslims in 25 countries in the world. Approximately 10,000 Ismaili Muslims live in Bangladesh.
bdnews24.com/krc/qh/am/2235 hours
http://bdnews24.com/details.php?cid=2&id=52782
Aga Khan promises to work as 'export link'
Mon, May 19th, 2008 10:13 pm BdST
Dhaka, May 19 (bdnews24.com) –In a meeting with the chief adviser Monday, Prince Karim Aga Khan said he is keen to act as a bridge to create more markets for Bangladeshi goods in Central Asia.
The Aga Khan also expressed an interest in investing in Bangladesh's education sector by establishing a world-class institution in Dhaka, the chief adviser's press secretary Syed Fahim Munaim told reporters after the meeting.
After a private discussion between the Prince and the chief adviser, a more formal meeting got underway, also attended by foreign affairs adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, special assistant Devasish Roy and Munaim among others.
"The chief adviser informed the Aga Khan that there was scope for investment in the economic sector and work in the development sector," said the press secretary.
"The Aga Khan said they want to encourage those with merit, and in particular, they wish to patronise primary and secondary school pupils."
The visiting spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims said his organisation had been working towards economic development in Pakistan and India among other countries, and they already have a project in Bangladesh named IPDC, (Industrial Promotion and Development Company), a non-banking financial institution.
The chief adviser said: "There is scope for work in the economic sector in our country. Three state-run banks have been made into public limited companies."
"Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board has also been turned into a public limited company so that private entrepreneurs can invest in the telecommunication sector," Fakhruddin was quoted as saying.
The chief adviser went on to express his hope that Bangladesh would emerge as a middle-income country in the next 15 years, said Munaim.
The chief adviser's press secretary added that Fakhruddin drew attention to possible investments in the health sector, especially nursing.
Prince Karim Aga Khan last visited Bangladesh in 1993.
bdnews24.com/ahd/rb/eh/am/1627 hours
------------------------
http://bdnews24.com/details.php?id=52783&cid=3
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:14 am
CA speaks of democracy at banquet with Aga Khan
Mon, May 19th, 2008 10:43 pm BdST
Dhaka, May 19 (bdnews24.com) - Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed has said democracy is not just about elections, but also about ensuring people's right to choose their representatives without fear or intimidation.
"We believe that democracy is not just about elections and installing new governments at pre-determined intervals," said Fakhruddin at a state banquet in honour of visiting Prince Karim Aga Khan at Sonargaon Hotel Monday.
"It is also about empowering people and ensuring their right to choose their representatives without fear or intimidation."
"Democracy is also about the right to enjoy the fruits of economic growth and development," the chief advisor said.
He went on to stress the importance of establishing the rule of law, the need to eradicate corruption, improve law and order and increase the effectiveness of government and the judiciary.
"We are confident that a free, fair and credible election will be held as per the announced roadmap."
"We are also positive that our reform efforts will be sustainable," the CA said.
Prior to their banquet speeches, Fakhruddin and the Aga Khan released a postal stamp to mark the 50th anniversary of the Prince taking over the role of the Imam to the Shia Ismaili Muslim community.
Referring to a new Aga Khan Academy, which will be built in the capital, the Prince said: "This school will be part of a network of 18 high-quality schools located throughout the developing world."
"They will be global in outlook, but deeply rooted in local culture, providing a world class education for boys and girls of all backgrounds, independent of their ability to pay."
"It will educate promising students and develop inspiring teachers. It will be a strong educational resource for the entire country," said the Aga Khan.
The Prince will lay the foundation stone of the new academy, located in the Bashundhara residential area, on Tuesday.
There are around 20 million Ismaili Muslims in 25 countries in the world. Approximately 10,000 Ismaili Muslims live in Bangladesh.
bdnews24.com/krc/qh/am/2235 hours
Education Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman speaks at the foundation laying of the new Aga Khan Academy in Bashundhara city Tuesday. Photo: bdnews24.com/ Dhaka, May 20, 2008
Prince Karim Aga Khan inaugurates the foundation laying of the new Aga Khan Academy in Bashundhara city Tuesday. Photo: bdnews24.com/
Dhaka, May 20, 2008
Iftekhar seeks help from Aga Khan to set up training institutes
Tue, May 20th, 2008 9:34 pm BdST
Dhaka, May 20 (bdnews24.com)--Foreign affairs adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury Tuesday asked Prince Karim Aga Khan to assist in establishing training institutes in the country to increase the efficiency of Bangladeshi workers.
"Dr Iftekhar Chowdhury sought the assistance of the Aga Khan Fund and Network for upgrading skills of Bangladeshi workers, particularly in the field of nursing for which there is a huge demand at home and abroad," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
The adviser met the Aga Khan, who is on a four-day visit to the country, at his hotel suite at Sonargaon Hotel in the afternoon.
During the meeting, Iftekhar told the spiritual head of the Ismaili Muslims that Bangladesh was keen to strengthen its ties with the Islamic brotherhood, the statement said.
He also thanked the Aga Khan for his contributions in the sphere of education, and for promising to make efforts to revive the Aga Khan Gold Cup in Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, finance adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam, law and religious affairs adviser AF Hassan Ariff and education adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman met the Aga Khan separately at his hotel suite.
bdnews24.com/krc/am/2131 hours
http://www.independent-bangladesh.com/
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
corruption-free government is not enough for a society's development, the Prince Aga Khan said Tuesday, at a ceremony to lay the foundation stone of a new Aga Khan Academy in the capital, reports bdnews24.com
Corruption in the health, education and financial systems and in the judicial process also hampered social progress, the visiting head of the Ismaili Muslim community said.
The Aga Khan also stressed that rural people were the worst victims of corruption.
"The absence of corruption or fraud in government is not enough," he said while addressing the ceremony in Bashundhara city.
"Fraud in medicine, fraud in education, fraud in financial services, fraud in property rights, fraud in the exercise of law enforcement or in the courts, are all risks which can have a dramatic impact on social progress."
"This is especially true in rural environments where fraud is often neither reported nor corrected, but simply accepted as an inevitable condition of life," said the visiting prince.
Because of these issues, the Aga Khan academies emphasised ethical conduct of the students and teachers, he added.
"Bangladesh is the first Muslim country in which we have laid a new academy foundation stone," the Aga Khan said.
He said the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka would teach students in both Bangla and English.
"They would be fluently bilingual, our students will be prepared to unlock the rich treasure chests of history and culture, art and music, religious and philosophical thought, which are integral to one's identity and one's values and which are such powerful elements here in Bangladesh," the prince said.
Education adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman, who attended as the chief guest, said the media were busy in covering politics, but they paid little attention to ethical issues.
He urged people to build an ethics-based society.
The proposed Aga Khan Academy will be receted in Bashundhara city over the next two years. The Aga Khan Foundation will spend US $50 million to construct the academy.
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
corruption-free government is not enough for a society's development, the Prince Aga Khan said Tuesday, at a ceremony to lay the foundation stone of a new Aga Khan Academy in the capital, reports bdnews24.com
Corruption in the health, education and financial systems and in the judicial process also hampered social progress, the visiting head of the Ismaili Muslim community said.
The Aga Khan also stressed that rural people were the worst victims of corruption.
"The absence of corruption or fraud in government is not enough," he said while addressing the ceremony in Bashundhara city.
"Fraud in medicine, fraud in education, fraud in financial services, fraud in property rights, fraud in the exercise of law enforcement or in the courts, are all risks which can have a dramatic impact on social progress."
"This is especially true in rural environments where fraud is often neither reported nor corrected, but simply accepted as an inevitable condition of life," said the visiting prince.
Because of these issues, the Aga Khan academies emphasised ethical conduct of the students and teachers, he added.
"Bangladesh is the first Muslim country in which we have laid a new academy foundation stone," the Aga Khan said.
He said the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka would teach students in both Bangla and English.
"They would be fluently bilingual, our students will be prepared to unlock the rich treasure chests of history and culture, art and music, religious and philosophical thought, which are integral to one's identity and one's values and which are such powerful elements here in Bangladesh," the prince said.
Education adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman, who attended as the chief guest, said the media were busy in covering politics, but they paid little attention to ethical issues.
He urged people to build an ethics-based society.
The proposed Aga Khan Academy will be receted in Bashundhara city over the next two years. The Aga Khan Foundation will spend US $50 million to construct the academy.
http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/0 ... ws0177.htm
Edition. May 20, 2008, Updated: Bangladesh Time 12:00 AM
Prince Karim Aga Khan called on Chief Adviser Dr
Fakhruddin Ahmed at the latter's office in the city
yesterday. PID photo
UNB, Dhaka
Visiting Imam of Shia Ismailia Muslims Prince Karim Aga Khan yesterday offered his community's services to build bridge between Bangladesh and Central Asian countries where they have presence for promoting socioeconomic relations.
He further expressed his interest in investing in Bangladesh in various socioeconomic sectors, including financial services, education, and health.
The Ismailia spiritual leader, who arrived here earlier in the day for a four-day visit to Bangladesh, made the remarks when he called on Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at the CA's office in the afternoon and discussed various socioeconomic maters.
Before formal meeting, the Chief Adviser and the Prince had a one-to-one parley for a while at the CA's office.
Responding to Aga Khan, Dr Fakhruddin said Bangladesh would definitely try to take advantage of the support of the Aga Khan community in expanding trade and investment opportunities in the Central Asian countries.
The Prince, who last came to Bangladesh in 1993, said they basically focused on standard education in primary and secondary levels and try to harness talents of students to make them best educated and skilled.
In this regard, he mentioned the setting up of an educational academy in Dhaka which would be centre of excellence in education where meritorious poor students will also have access.
Listing a number of promising sectors for investment, like banking, telecommunications and agro-processing industries, the Chief Adviser said the members of Aga Khan Community could take advantage of investment in these areas.
He also made a request for establishing hospital in Bangladesh as it has tremendous prospects and huge number of patients.
Responding positively, the Prince said they have set up world-class health centres in Kabul, Karachi and Kajakistan.
The Chief Adviser appreciated various socioeconomic activities in Bangladesh by Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
During the meeting the Chief Adviser requested revival of the once-popular Aga Khan Gold Cup Football Tournament in Dhaka. Prince Karim Aga Khan responded positively.
The prince said they have investment in health service, education, leather, financial service, microfinance, industry, rural development and rural energy industry.
CA's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim, who was present at the meeting, briefed newsmen about the outcome of the talks.
Director of Diplomatic Affairs Shafik Sachedina and Habib Hirji, president Aga Khan Council for Bangladesh, were present on the Prince side while Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Principal Secretary to the CA Ali Imam Majumder and Secretary to CA's office Kazi Aminul Islam were on CA's side.
Edition. May 20, 2008, Updated: Bangladesh Time 12:00 AM
Prince Karim Aga Khan called on Chief Adviser Dr
Fakhruddin Ahmed at the latter's office in the city
yesterday. PID photo
UNB, Dhaka
Visiting Imam of Shia Ismailia Muslims Prince Karim Aga Khan yesterday offered his community's services to build bridge between Bangladesh and Central Asian countries where they have presence for promoting socioeconomic relations.
He further expressed his interest in investing in Bangladesh in various socioeconomic sectors, including financial services, education, and health.
The Ismailia spiritual leader, who arrived here earlier in the day for a four-day visit to Bangladesh, made the remarks when he called on Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at the CA's office in the afternoon and discussed various socioeconomic maters.
Before formal meeting, the Chief Adviser and the Prince had a one-to-one parley for a while at the CA's office.
Responding to Aga Khan, Dr Fakhruddin said Bangladesh would definitely try to take advantage of the support of the Aga Khan community in expanding trade and investment opportunities in the Central Asian countries.
The Prince, who last came to Bangladesh in 1993, said they basically focused on standard education in primary and secondary levels and try to harness talents of students to make them best educated and skilled.
In this regard, he mentioned the setting up of an educational academy in Dhaka which would be centre of excellence in education where meritorious poor students will also have access.
Listing a number of promising sectors for investment, like banking, telecommunications and agro-processing industries, the Chief Adviser said the members of Aga Khan Community could take advantage of investment in these areas.
He also made a request for establishing hospital in Bangladesh as it has tremendous prospects and huge number of patients.
Responding positively, the Prince said they have set up world-class health centres in Kabul, Karachi and Kajakistan.
The Chief Adviser appreciated various socioeconomic activities in Bangladesh by Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
During the meeting the Chief Adviser requested revival of the once-popular Aga Khan Gold Cup Football Tournament in Dhaka. Prince Karim Aga Khan responded positively.
The prince said they have investment in health service, education, leather, financial service, microfinance, industry, rural development and rural energy industry.
CA's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim, who was present at the meeting, briefed newsmen about the outcome of the talks.
Director of Diplomatic Affairs Shafik Sachedina and Habib Hirji, president Aga Khan Council for Bangladesh, were present on the Prince side while Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Principal Secretary to the CA Ali Imam Majumder and Secretary to CA's office Kazi Aminul Islam were on CA's side.
http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=37487
Prince Karim Aga Khan lays the foundation of Aga Khan Academy at Baridhara in the city yesterday while Education Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman looks on. (Story on Page 16) Photo: STAR
Help of Aga Khan Fund sought to develop skills of workers
Unb, Dhaka
Bangladesh sought the assistance of the Aga Khan Fund for upgrading skills of Bangladeshi workers, particularly in the field of nursing for which there is “a huge demand at home and abroad”.
Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury placed the request when he called on Prince Karim Aga Khan at the latter's hotel suite yesterday afternoon.
During the meeting, the Foreign Adviser said a cornerstone of Bangladesh's current foreign policy is “strengthening links with the Islamic Ummah”.
It is in pursuance of this strategy that Bangladesh was interacting heavily with OIC countries and other Muslim nations, he added.
Iftekhar said, “These countries are also major destinations for Bangladeshi expatriate workers over 832,000 of whom departed for these regions during the past year.”
They have also sent back remittances worth nearly US $7 billion, which is a record, but this year this figure may exceed to US $9 billion, “if all goes well”, the foreign adviser told the spiritual leader.
He also thanked Prince Aga Khan for his contributions to the sphere of education and thus “helping create in Bangladesh a knowledge-based society in response to the demands of our times”.
The foreign adviser expressed his gratitude to him for assuring the chief adviser that efforts would be made to revive the Aga Khan Gold Cup which would “not only enthuse local youths but would also create bonds between sportsmen of different Islamic nations who would be expected to take part in the Gold Cup Tournament”.
Another UNB report from Dhaka adds: Prince Karim Aga Khan is interested to invest in Bangladesh's financial services sector, including bank and insurance, agro-processing industry and air transportation sectors.
He expressed his interest when Finance Adviser Dr Mirza Azizul Islam met the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims at his hotel suite yesterday afternoon, a senior finance ministry official told UNB.
Aga Khan also assured the adviser of increasing their investment in the country's social services sector in future and gave a positive indication to help build cyclone shelters.
Inquired about Bangladesh's FDI policy, the finance adviser apprised Aga Khan that all the economic sectors of Bangladesh are open to FDI.
As Aga Khan also inquired about Bangladesh's budget priorities for the next fiscal year, the adviser apprised of agriculture and agriculture-related sectors, including water management, power sector, transportation and human resources development like health and education.
Prince Karim Aga Khan lays the foundation of Aga Khan Academy at Baridhara in the city yesterday while Education Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman looks on. (Story on Page 16) Photo: STAR
Help of Aga Khan Fund sought to develop skills of workers
Unb, Dhaka
Bangladesh sought the assistance of the Aga Khan Fund for upgrading skills of Bangladeshi workers, particularly in the field of nursing for which there is “a huge demand at home and abroad”.
Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury placed the request when he called on Prince Karim Aga Khan at the latter's hotel suite yesterday afternoon.
During the meeting, the Foreign Adviser said a cornerstone of Bangladesh's current foreign policy is “strengthening links with the Islamic Ummah”.
It is in pursuance of this strategy that Bangladesh was interacting heavily with OIC countries and other Muslim nations, he added.
Iftekhar said, “These countries are also major destinations for Bangladeshi expatriate workers over 832,000 of whom departed for these regions during the past year.”
They have also sent back remittances worth nearly US $7 billion, which is a record, but this year this figure may exceed to US $9 billion, “if all goes well”, the foreign adviser told the spiritual leader.
He also thanked Prince Aga Khan for his contributions to the sphere of education and thus “helping create in Bangladesh a knowledge-based society in response to the demands of our times”.
The foreign adviser expressed his gratitude to him for assuring the chief adviser that efforts would be made to revive the Aga Khan Gold Cup which would “not only enthuse local youths but would also create bonds between sportsmen of different Islamic nations who would be expected to take part in the Gold Cup Tournament”.
Another UNB report from Dhaka adds: Prince Karim Aga Khan is interested to invest in Bangladesh's financial services sector, including bank and insurance, agro-processing industry and air transportation sectors.
He expressed his interest when Finance Adviser Dr Mirza Azizul Islam met the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims at his hotel suite yesterday afternoon, a senior finance ministry official told UNB.
Aga Khan also assured the adviser of increasing their investment in the country's social services sector in future and gave a positive indication to help build cyclone shelters.
Inquired about Bangladesh's FDI policy, the finance adviser apprised Aga Khan that all the economic sectors of Bangladesh are open to FDI.
As Aga Khan also inquired about Bangladesh's budget priorities for the next fiscal year, the adviser apprised of agriculture and agriculture-related sectors, including water management, power sector, transportation and human resources development like health and education.
Dhaka 21 May 2008
http://www.newagebd.com/nat.html#2
Dhaka seeks support from Aga Khan
for skills development
Staff Correspondent
Bangladesh sought the assistance from the Aga Khan Foundation to develop the skills of Bangladeshi workers, especially in nursing which is on a huge demand at home and abroad.
The foreign affairs adviser, Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, made the request when he called on Prince Karim Aga Khan at the latter’s hotel suite Tuesday afternoon.
During the meeting, Iftekhar said a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s current foreign policy was strengthening links with the Muslim community.
It is in pursuance of the strategy Bangladesh was interacting heavily with the OIC countries and other Muslim nations, he said.
Iftekhar said, ‘Such countries are also major destinations for Bangladeshi expatriate workers more than 832,000 of whom left for these regions in the past year.’
They have also sent nearly $7 billion in remittances, which is a record, but this year this figure may exceed $9 billion, if all went well, Iftekhar informed Prince Karim Aga Khan.
He also thanked the Aga Khan for contributions to the field of education and helping to create in Bangladesh a knowledge-based society in response to the demands of the time.
http://www.newagebd.com/nat.html#2
Dhaka seeks support from Aga Khan
for skills development
Staff Correspondent
Bangladesh sought the assistance from the Aga Khan Foundation to develop the skills of Bangladeshi workers, especially in nursing which is on a huge demand at home and abroad.
The foreign affairs adviser, Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, made the request when he called on Prince Karim Aga Khan at the latter’s hotel suite Tuesday afternoon.
During the meeting, Iftekhar said a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s current foreign policy was strengthening links with the Muslim community.
It is in pursuance of the strategy Bangladesh was interacting heavily with the OIC countries and other Muslim nations, he said.
Iftekhar said, ‘Such countries are also major destinations for Bangladeshi expatriate workers more than 832,000 of whom left for these regions in the past year.’
They have also sent nearly $7 billion in remittances, which is a record, but this year this figure may exceed $9 billion, if all went well, Iftekhar informed Prince Karim Aga Khan.
He also thanked the Aga Khan for contributions to the field of education and helping to create in Bangladesh a knowledge-based society in response to the demands of the time.
http://www.newstoday-bd.com/frontpage.a ... ate=#12712
Dhaka, Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The News Today
Graft-free govt not enough for uplift, says Aga Khan
A corruption-free government is not enough for a society''s development, the Prince Aga Khan said Tuesday, at a ceremony to lay the foundation stone of a new Aga Khan Academy in the capital, reports bdnews24.com.
Corruption in the health, education and financial systems and in the judicial process also hampered social progress, the visiting head of the Ismaili Muslim community said.
The Aga Khan also stressed that rural people were the worst victims of corruption.
"The absence of corruption or fraud in government is not enough," he said while addressing the ceremony in Bashundhara city.
"Fraud in medicine, fraud in education, fraud in financial services, fraud in property rights, fraud in the exercise of law enforcement or in the courts, are all risks which can have a dramatic impact on social progress."
"This is especially true in rural environments where fraud is often neither reported nor corrected, but simply accepted as an inevitable condition of life," said the visiting prince.
Because of these issues, the Aga Khan academies emphasised ethical conduct of the students and teachers, he added.
"Bangladesh is the first Muslim country in which we have laid a new academy foundation stone," the Aga Khan said.
He said the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka would teach students in both Bangla and English.
"They would be fluently bilingual, our students will be prepared to unlock the rich treasure chests of history and culture, art and music, religious and philosophical thought, which are integral to one''s identity and one''s values and which are such powerful elements here in Bangladesh," the prince said.
Education adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman, who attended as the chief guest, said the media were busy in covering politics, but they paid little attention to ethical issues.
He urged people to build an ethics-based society.
The proposed Aga Khan Academy will be receted in Bashundhara city over the next two years. The Aga Khan Foundation will spend US $50 million to construct the academy.
Dhaka, Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The News Today
Graft-free govt not enough for uplift, says Aga Khan
A corruption-free government is not enough for a society''s development, the Prince Aga Khan said Tuesday, at a ceremony to lay the foundation stone of a new Aga Khan Academy in the capital, reports bdnews24.com.
Corruption in the health, education and financial systems and in the judicial process also hampered social progress, the visiting head of the Ismaili Muslim community said.
The Aga Khan also stressed that rural people were the worst victims of corruption.
"The absence of corruption or fraud in government is not enough," he said while addressing the ceremony in Bashundhara city.
"Fraud in medicine, fraud in education, fraud in financial services, fraud in property rights, fraud in the exercise of law enforcement or in the courts, are all risks which can have a dramatic impact on social progress."
"This is especially true in rural environments where fraud is often neither reported nor corrected, but simply accepted as an inevitable condition of life," said the visiting prince.
Because of these issues, the Aga Khan academies emphasised ethical conduct of the students and teachers, he added.
"Bangladesh is the first Muslim country in which we have laid a new academy foundation stone," the Aga Khan said.
He said the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka would teach students in both Bangla and English.
"They would be fluently bilingual, our students will be prepared to unlock the rich treasure chests of history and culture, art and music, religious and philosophical thought, which are integral to one''s identity and one''s values and which are such powerful elements here in Bangladesh," the prince said.
Education adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman, who attended as the chief guest, said the media were busy in covering politics, but they paid little attention to ethical issues.
He urged people to build an ethics-based society.
The proposed Aga Khan Academy will be receted in Bashundhara city over the next two years. The Aga Khan Foundation will spend US $50 million to construct the academy.
http://www.voanews.com/bangla/2008-05-1 ... bangladesh
Report from Dhaka - Download (MP3) audio clip
Report from Dhaka - Listen to (MP3) audio clip
Prince Aga Khan Pledges More Investments in Bangladesh
By Zahurul Alam
Dhaka
19-May-2008
Prince Karim Aga Khan, Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, Monday expressed his interest in investing in various socioeconomic sectors, including financial services, education and health, in Bangladesh.
He also offered his community’s services to build bridges between Bangladesh and Central Asian countries where they have presence in promoting socioeconomic relations.
Prince Aga Khan, who arrived in Dhaka Monday afternoon on a four-day visit, expressed his willingness as he called on the chief adviser, Fakhruddin Ahmed.
Before the formal meeting, Fakhrudin and Prince Aga Khan had a one-to-one parley for a while in the Chief Adviser’s office.
Responding to the Ismaili spiritual leader, Fakhruddin said Bangladesh would definitely try to take advantage of the support of the Aga Khan community in expanding trade and investment opportunities with the Central Asian countries.
Aga Khan visited the National Martyr Memorial at Savar after arriving at Dhaka airport.
http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/0 ... ws0369.htm
The New Nation
May 22, 2008, Updated: Bangladesh Time 12:00 AM
Aga Khan meets President: World ties with Ismaili community to grow
Prince Karim Aga Khan called on President Prof Dr
Iajuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban yesterday. PID photo
BSS, Dhaka
President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and visiting Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community Prince Karim Aga Khan on Wednesday expressed hope that the ties between Bangladesh and Ismaili community would be strengthened further with the expanding cooperation in various fields of development of the country.
Foreign Affair Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said this when he was talking to the reporters emerging out of a call on meeting between the President and the Ismaili community Chief at Bangabhaban here.
During the meeting, the President welcomed Prince Karim Aga Khan to Bangabhaban and appreciated his commendable role in social, economical, religion and cultural development of the world Muslims and the people of Bangladesh.
Recognizing the contribution of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) to Bangladesh's development especially in the fields of education, healthcare, micro finance and civil society development and poverty alleviation and hoped that it would continue to support to the country.
He also thanked the Prince for the contribution of Ismaili community to Bangladesh's economic development as well as promoting their service to the nation and establishment of Aga Khan Academy (AKA) for education and cultural development.
The New Nation
May 22, 2008, Updated: Bangladesh Time 12:00 AM
Aga Khan meets President: World ties with Ismaili community to grow
Prince Karim Aga Khan called on President Prof Dr
Iajuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban yesterday. PID photo
BSS, Dhaka
President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and visiting Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community Prince Karim Aga Khan on Wednesday expressed hope that the ties between Bangladesh and Ismaili community would be strengthened further with the expanding cooperation in various fields of development of the country.
Foreign Affair Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said this when he was talking to the reporters emerging out of a call on meeting between the President and the Ismaili community Chief at Bangabhaban here.
During the meeting, the President welcomed Prince Karim Aga Khan to Bangabhaban and appreciated his commendable role in social, economical, religion and cultural development of the world Muslims and the people of Bangladesh.
Recognizing the contribution of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) to Bangladesh's development especially in the fields of education, healthcare, micro finance and civil society development and poverty alleviation and hoped that it would continue to support to the country.
He also thanked the Prince for the contribution of Ismaili community to Bangladesh's economic development as well as promoting their service to the nation and establishment of Aga Khan Academy (AKA) for education and cultural development.
Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka
http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/0 ... ws0382.htm
May 22, 2008, Updated: Bangladesh Time 12:00 AM
PRINCE Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, laid the foundation stone of the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka on Tuesday. The objective of the academy is to provide high quality education for producing efficient professionals. This academy symbolises Aga Khan's concern for the development of the people of Bangladesh. The Aga Khan Foundation has spread its activities to different countries of Asia, Africa, Europe and America including Bangladesh. But this is for the first that such an academy has been set up in a Muslim country.
The academy is expected to provide world class education to talented students of all backgrounds irrespective of their ability to pay. It will integrate quality education based on Islamic tradition with social obligation to honour and nurture the full potential of every human being and integrate local and national culture and connect its students to global perspective through intermixing of local and global experiences. The curriculum will emphasise pluralism, ethics, Muslim civilisation, global economics and comparative political systems.
To match the fast changing world, the people of Bangladesh need high quality knowledge and make extensive application of the same. While striving to achieve these objectives, the people will have to nurture their own language while mastering English as a connecting language. At the same time, the Aga Khan felt they will have to preserve and protect their own history and heritage and maintain ethical and cultural values. The declared objectives of the Aga Khan Academy are in harmony with these objectives of the people. The academy is expected to maintain high standard of education and impart world class knowledge to its students so that they can provide leadership to all important sectors of national life.
http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/0 ... ws0382.htm
May 22, 2008, Updated: Bangladesh Time 12:00 AM
PRINCE Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, laid the foundation stone of the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka on Tuesday. The objective of the academy is to provide high quality education for producing efficient professionals. This academy symbolises Aga Khan's concern for the development of the people of Bangladesh. The Aga Khan Foundation has spread its activities to different countries of Asia, Africa, Europe and America including Bangladesh. But this is for the first that such an academy has been set up in a Muslim country.
The academy is expected to provide world class education to talented students of all backgrounds irrespective of their ability to pay. It will integrate quality education based on Islamic tradition with social obligation to honour and nurture the full potential of every human being and integrate local and national culture and connect its students to global perspective through intermixing of local and global experiences. The curriculum will emphasise pluralism, ethics, Muslim civilisation, global economics and comparative political systems.
To match the fast changing world, the people of Bangladesh need high quality knowledge and make extensive application of the same. While striving to achieve these objectives, the people will have to nurture their own language while mastering English as a connecting language. At the same time, the Aga Khan felt they will have to preserve and protect their own history and heritage and maintain ethical and cultural values. The declared objectives of the Aga Khan Academy are in harmony with these objectives of the people. The academy is expected to maintain high standard of education and impart world class knowledge to its students so that they can provide leadership to all important sectors of national life.
http://newagebd.com/nat.html
Dhaka 22 May 2008
Aga Khan, Iftekhar lay foundation
of Jamatkhana centre
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka
The adviser for foreign affairs, Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, has said Islam is the religion of peace that places utmost importance on balance between spiritual yearnings and worldly compulsions.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the foundation-laying ceremony of the Ismaili Jamatkhana Centre in Bashaundhara area in the city Wednesday afternoon.
Visiting Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community Prince Karim Aga Khan was present on the occasion.
The adviser praised the Ismaili community for finding ‘tranquil equilibrium between the inner self and material world’.
He lauded their ‘contribution to the advancement of socio- economic development of the part of the Islamic ummah.’
‘The Aga Khan embodies this spirit. He has dedicated his life and works to these causes,’ the adviser said.
Iftekhar said the image of Islam today often confronts challenges, particularly in the Western world. ‘These must be met with examples and evidence. Our works today must reflect the dynamism of our faith’, he added.
The adviser pointed out that Bangladesh respects the inalienable rights of all citizens irrespective of faiths.
He expressed the hope that Jamatkhana would be a venue, from which will flow the ideas and ideals bonding men, and women seeking enlightenment, peace and tolerance.
In his speech, Prince Aga Khan said Jamatkhana would be a place of peace and tranquillity, filled with a spirit of humility and prayer.
‘It will not be a place for conceit or self-satisfaction, rather than a place for search and enlightenment. It will be a place where men and women in this pluralist country can help strengthen those common bonds, which reflect our common challenges and which will shape our common destiny’, he said.
He went on saying that Jamatkhana and the Academy would play a complementary role to dispel ignorance, cultivate a cosmopolitan outlook and nourish the cause of peace and harmony among people and cultures, within this country and around the world.
Habib Hirji, president of Aga Khan Council for Bangladesh, gave the welcome address.
Earlier, Aga Khan welcomed the foreign adviser on his arrival at the venue
Dhaka 22 May 2008
Aga Khan, Iftekhar lay foundation
of Jamatkhana centre
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka
The adviser for foreign affairs, Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, has said Islam is the religion of peace that places utmost importance on balance between spiritual yearnings and worldly compulsions.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the foundation-laying ceremony of the Ismaili Jamatkhana Centre in Bashaundhara area in the city Wednesday afternoon.
Visiting Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community Prince Karim Aga Khan was present on the occasion.
The adviser praised the Ismaili community for finding ‘tranquil equilibrium between the inner self and material world’.
He lauded their ‘contribution to the advancement of socio- economic development of the part of the Islamic ummah.’
‘The Aga Khan embodies this spirit. He has dedicated his life and works to these causes,’ the adviser said.
Iftekhar said the image of Islam today often confronts challenges, particularly in the Western world. ‘These must be met with examples and evidence. Our works today must reflect the dynamism of our faith’, he added.
The adviser pointed out that Bangladesh respects the inalienable rights of all citizens irrespective of faiths.
He expressed the hope that Jamatkhana would be a venue, from which will flow the ideas and ideals bonding men, and women seeking enlightenment, peace and tolerance.
In his speech, Prince Aga Khan said Jamatkhana would be a place of peace and tranquillity, filled with a spirit of humility and prayer.
‘It will not be a place for conceit or self-satisfaction, rather than a place for search and enlightenment. It will be a place where men and women in this pluralist country can help strengthen those common bonds, which reflect our common challenges and which will shape our common destiny’, he said.
He went on saying that Jamatkhana and the Academy would play a complementary role to dispel ignorance, cultivate a cosmopolitan outlook and nourish the cause of peace and harmony among people and cultures, within this country and around the world.
Habib Hirji, president of Aga Khan Council for Bangladesh, gave the welcome address.
Earlier, Aga Khan welcomed the foreign adviser on his arrival at the venue
President for expanded coop with Ismaili Community
http://newstoday-bd.com/metropolis.asp?newsdate=#4358
The News Today
Dhaka, Thursday, May 22, 2008
President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and visiting imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community Prince Karim Aga Khan on Sunday expressed the hope that the ties between Bangladesh and Ismaili community would be strengthened further with expansion of cooperation in various fields of development, reports BSS.
Foreign Affair Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said this today while talking to reporters after emerging out of a meeting between the President and the Ismaili community chief at Bangabhaban here.
During the meeting, the President welcomed Prince Karim Aga Khan to Bangabhaban and appreciated his commendable role in social, economical, religion and cultural development of the world Muslims and the people of Bangladesh.
Recognizing the contribution of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) to Bangladesh’s development especially in the fields of education, healthcare, micro finance and civil society development and poverty alleviation, Dr Ijaudddin hoped that it would continue to support the country.
He also thanked the Prince for the contribution of Ismaili community to Bangladesh’s economic development as well as promoting their service to the nation and establishment of Aga Khan Academy (AKA) for education and cultural development.
Mentioning that economic development of the countries like Bangladesh could be well achieved through the use of local resources, appropriate technology and modern management techniques, he sought cooperation from the chief of the Ismaili community in funding research work and stipends for the Dhaka University students to promote quality education.
He described education as a critical area of human development and said human resources development is the vital for any country’s progress.
He also suggested that Ismaili community should take the excellent investment opportunities that Bangladesh offers to potential investors especially in the fields of information and communication technology and agro-processing industries.
The Imam of Ismaili community apprised the President that he had fruitful discussion with the Bangladesh authority in strengthening relations between Bangladesh and his community.
Prince Karim Aga Khan also assured the President of enhancing support to Bangladesh in achieving its development in different fields and said that Aga Khan Academy would undertake various training programme to develop human resources, the including nursing sector.
He also apprised the President of reviving the Aga Khan Gold Cup, the most popular football tournament in the country.
Director of Diplomatic Affairs Shafik Sachedina, president of Aga Khan Council for Bangladesh Habib Hirji and director of Aga Khan Academies Salim Bhatia were present.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Minister in Waiting Raja Debashish Roy, Military Secretary to the President Major General Mohd Aminul Karim, Secretary of the President’s Office Md Sirajul Islam and Press Secretary to the President Abdul Awal Howlader were also present.
http://newstoday-bd.com/metropolis.asp?newsdate=#4358
The News Today
Dhaka, Thursday, May 22, 2008
President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and visiting imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community Prince Karim Aga Khan on Sunday expressed the hope that the ties between Bangladesh and Ismaili community would be strengthened further with expansion of cooperation in various fields of development, reports BSS.
Foreign Affair Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said this today while talking to reporters after emerging out of a meeting between the President and the Ismaili community chief at Bangabhaban here.
During the meeting, the President welcomed Prince Karim Aga Khan to Bangabhaban and appreciated his commendable role in social, economical, religion and cultural development of the world Muslims and the people of Bangladesh.
Recognizing the contribution of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) to Bangladesh’s development especially in the fields of education, healthcare, micro finance and civil society development and poverty alleviation, Dr Ijaudddin hoped that it would continue to support the country.
He also thanked the Prince for the contribution of Ismaili community to Bangladesh’s economic development as well as promoting their service to the nation and establishment of Aga Khan Academy (AKA) for education and cultural development.
Mentioning that economic development of the countries like Bangladesh could be well achieved through the use of local resources, appropriate technology and modern management techniques, he sought cooperation from the chief of the Ismaili community in funding research work and stipends for the Dhaka University students to promote quality education.
He described education as a critical area of human development and said human resources development is the vital for any country’s progress.
He also suggested that Ismaili community should take the excellent investment opportunities that Bangladesh offers to potential investors especially in the fields of information and communication technology and agro-processing industries.
The Imam of Ismaili community apprised the President that he had fruitful discussion with the Bangladesh authority in strengthening relations between Bangladesh and his community.
Prince Karim Aga Khan also assured the President of enhancing support to Bangladesh in achieving its development in different fields and said that Aga Khan Academy would undertake various training programme to develop human resources, the including nursing sector.
He also apprised the President of reviving the Aga Khan Gold Cup, the most popular football tournament in the country.
Director of Diplomatic Affairs Shafik Sachedina, president of Aga Khan Council for Bangladesh Habib Hirji and director of Aga Khan Academies Salim Bhatia were present.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Minister in Waiting Raja Debashish Roy, Military Secretary to the President Major General Mohd Aminul Karim, Secretary of the President’s Office Md Sirajul Islam and Press Secretary to the President Abdul Awal Howlader were also present.
Updates from theismaili.org
Bangladesh visit
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam speaks at the Foundation-Stone Laying ceremony of the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photo: Gary Otte
This morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam presided over the Foundation-Stone Laying ceremony of the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka. The Honourable Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, Bangladesh’s Education Adviser, was the chief guest at the ceremony.
Emphasising the importance of education in the Islamic tradition, Mawlana Hazar Imam said that “world and faith are inseparable in Islam. Faith and learning are also profoundly interconnected.”
Of interest: Academy in Mombasa on the fast-track to realising its vision.
In the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with Bangladesh’s Honourable Adviser for Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Adviser for Finance, the Honourable Adviser for Religious Affairs and the Honourable Adviser for Education.
Later in the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam hosted an Imamat Banquet in honour of the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, which was preceded by a reception for the Bangladesh diplomatic corps.
Additional photographs are available in the photo gallery. Further details about the visit will continue to be posted at www.TheIsmaili.org.
Monday, 19 May 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam meets with the Honourable Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, in Dhaka. Photo: Gary Otte
Following the completion of his Golden Jubilee visit to India, Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Dhaka, the capital of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. He was received at the airport by the Honourable Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed.
Following renditions of the Nashid al-Imamah and the National Anthem of Bangladesh, Mawlana Hazar Imam inspected a guard of honour and was greeted by Government ministers and Jamati leaders.
The Jamat of Dhaka lined the streets to welcome Mawlana Hazar Imam as he departed the airport. The city was adorned with the Imam’s standard and signs welcoming Hazar Imam to Bangladesh.
Mawlana Hazar Imam travelled directly from the airport to the National Martyr’s Memorial at Savar to lay a wreath. From there, Hazar Imam travelled to the office of Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, where the two leaders held discussions on the work of the Aga Khan Development Network in Bangladesh.
In the evening, the Chief Advisor unveiled a set of postage stamps commemorating the Golden Jubilee. Thereafter, Mawlana Hazar Imam was the guest of honour at a banquet hosted by the Chief Advisor.
In his speech, Mawlana Hazar Imam spoke of the long relationship of the Aga Khan Development Network with Bangladesh.
“It was on the occasion of my grandfather’s Platinum Jubilee — marking seventy years of his Imamat — that he first invested in what became a thriving jute mill industry here,” he recalled. “The first of those companies continues to exist and is still called the ‘Platinum Jubilee Jute Mills.’”
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/331/Bangladesh-visit
Bangladesh visit
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam speaks at the Foundation-Stone Laying ceremony of the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photo: Gary Otte
This morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam presided over the Foundation-Stone Laying ceremony of the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka. The Honourable Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, Bangladesh’s Education Adviser, was the chief guest at the ceremony.
Emphasising the importance of education in the Islamic tradition, Mawlana Hazar Imam said that “world and faith are inseparable in Islam. Faith and learning are also profoundly interconnected.”
Of interest: Academy in Mombasa on the fast-track to realising its vision.
In the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with Bangladesh’s Honourable Adviser for Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Adviser for Finance, the Honourable Adviser for Religious Affairs and the Honourable Adviser for Education.
Later in the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam hosted an Imamat Banquet in honour of the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, which was preceded by a reception for the Bangladesh diplomatic corps.
Additional photographs are available in the photo gallery. Further details about the visit will continue to be posted at www.TheIsmaili.org.
Monday, 19 May 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam meets with the Honourable Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, in Dhaka. Photo: Gary Otte
Following the completion of his Golden Jubilee visit to India, Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Dhaka, the capital of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. He was received at the airport by the Honourable Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed.
Following renditions of the Nashid al-Imamah and the National Anthem of Bangladesh, Mawlana Hazar Imam inspected a guard of honour and was greeted by Government ministers and Jamati leaders.
The Jamat of Dhaka lined the streets to welcome Mawlana Hazar Imam as he departed the airport. The city was adorned with the Imam’s standard and signs welcoming Hazar Imam to Bangladesh.
Mawlana Hazar Imam travelled directly from the airport to the National Martyr’s Memorial at Savar to lay a wreath. From there, Hazar Imam travelled to the office of Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, where the two leaders held discussions on the work of the Aga Khan Development Network in Bangladesh.
In the evening, the Chief Advisor unveiled a set of postage stamps commemorating the Golden Jubilee. Thereafter, Mawlana Hazar Imam was the guest of honour at a banquet hosted by the Chief Advisor.
In his speech, Mawlana Hazar Imam spoke of the long relationship of the Aga Khan Development Network with Bangladesh.
“It was on the occasion of my grandfather’s Platinum Jubilee — marking seventy years of his Imamat — that he first invested in what became a thriving jute mill industry here,” he recalled. “The first of those companies continues to exist and is still called the ‘Platinum Jubilee Jute Mills.’”
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/331/Bangladesh-visit
As RECEIVED
Promote freedom from fundamentalism: Aga Khan tells Bangladesh
May 22nd, 2008
- 1:48 pm ICT -
Dhaka, May 22 (IANS) Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of Shia
Ismaili Muslims worldwide, has urged Bangladesh to promote "freedom from fundamentalism" as part of school and university education. He agreed to an annual dialogue with the intelligentsia for which a proposal came Wednesday from Bangladesh's Education Advisor Hossain Zillur Khan.
The Aga Khan suggested further promotion of university research activities
and improvement of madrassa education.
"He also recommended inclusion of moral education, culture and subjects
related to freedom from fundamentalism in the curriculum," Bangladesh
Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the official news agency, reported Thursday.
The Aga Khan and Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury jointly laid the foundation for the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in an upmarket Dhaka residential locality, which will be used as a place for congregational gathering of the Ismailis and their administrative functions, The Daily Star said.
Recalling his grandfather Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan's call to
Ismailis to settle in the then East Pakistan after the partition of India in
1947, he said the commitment to Bangladesh has continued, often channelled through the activities of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
AKDN is one of the major NGOs engaged in development and disaster relief work in Bangladesh.
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/unc ... 51418.html
http://www.bssnews.net/index.php?action=open&archID=5
Promote freedom from fundamentalism: Aga Khan tells Bangladesh
May 22nd, 2008
- 1:48 pm ICT -
Dhaka, May 22 (IANS) Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of Shia
Ismaili Muslims worldwide, has urged Bangladesh to promote "freedom from fundamentalism" as part of school and university education. He agreed to an annual dialogue with the intelligentsia for which a proposal came Wednesday from Bangladesh's Education Advisor Hossain Zillur Khan.
The Aga Khan suggested further promotion of university research activities
and improvement of madrassa education.
"He also recommended inclusion of moral education, culture and subjects
related to freedom from fundamentalism in the curriculum," Bangladesh
Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the official news agency, reported Thursday.
The Aga Khan and Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury jointly laid the foundation for the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in an upmarket Dhaka residential locality, which will be used as a place for congregational gathering of the Ismailis and their administrative functions, The Daily Star said.
Recalling his grandfather Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan's call to
Ismailis to settle in the then East Pakistan after the partition of India in
1947, he said the commitment to Bangladesh has continued, often channelled through the activities of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
AKDN is one of the major NGOs engaged in development and disaster relief work in Bangladesh.
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/unc ... 51418.html
http://www.bssnews.net/index.php?action=open&archID=5
http://www.independent-bangladesh.com/2 ... viser.html
http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/0 ... ws0410.htm
[same news in both papers]
Aga Khan keen to buy Rupali: adviser
Friday, 23 May 2008
Bdnews24.com
Ismaili Muslims leader Prince Karim Aga Khan has shown interest to buy state-owned Rupali Bank, finance adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam said Thursday.
"The Aga Khan wants to invest in the banking sector and was particularly interested in buying Rupali Bank," Mirza Aziz told bdnews24.com by phone.
The adviser said the Aga Khan had expressed his interest in a Tuesday meeting with him.
"We talked about the economic situation and investment atmosphere in Bangladesh. I briefed him on the current state of Rupali Bank when he showed interest to buy it."
On the process of selling Rupali Bank, the adviser said: "Fresh bids will be invited. The Privatization Commission will take necessary steps."
A final decision will be taken on the matter in talks with the top brass of the government, the adviser said.
The Aga Khan arrived in Bangladesh Monday on a four-day state visit, meant to mark the golden jubilee of his takeover as head of the Ismaili Muslims.
He is the chairman of Aga Khan Development Network. The company took up a $40 crore project for Afghanistan.
The government decided in principle to turn Rupali Bank into a public limited company after a plan to sell it to Saudi Prince Bandar Bin Mohammad Bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud fell apart.
Since the government decided to privatise the bank in 2003, opening new branches, loan disbursement and recruitment have remained off.
The government in March scrapped the deal with the Saudi prince on the Rupali Bank as he had dithered over the takeover process for one and half years.
The Privatization Commission at that time blamed the Saudi Prince for breaching a primary agreement by not signing the sales and purchase agreement.
http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/0 ... ws0410.htm
[same news in both papers]
Aga Khan keen to buy Rupali: adviser
Friday, 23 May 2008
Bdnews24.com
Ismaili Muslims leader Prince Karim Aga Khan has shown interest to buy state-owned Rupali Bank, finance adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam said Thursday.
"The Aga Khan wants to invest in the banking sector and was particularly interested in buying Rupali Bank," Mirza Aziz told bdnews24.com by phone.
The adviser said the Aga Khan had expressed his interest in a Tuesday meeting with him.
"We talked about the economic situation and investment atmosphere in Bangladesh. I briefed him on the current state of Rupali Bank when he showed interest to buy it."
On the process of selling Rupali Bank, the adviser said: "Fresh bids will be invited. The Privatization Commission will take necessary steps."
A final decision will be taken on the matter in talks with the top brass of the government, the adviser said.
The Aga Khan arrived in Bangladesh Monday on a four-day state visit, meant to mark the golden jubilee of his takeover as head of the Ismaili Muslims.
He is the chairman of Aga Khan Development Network. The company took up a $40 crore project for Afghanistan.
The government decided in principle to turn Rupali Bank into a public limited company after a plan to sell it to Saudi Prince Bandar Bin Mohammad Bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud fell apart.
Since the government decided to privatise the bank in 2003, opening new branches, loan disbursement and recruitment have remained off.
The government in March scrapped the deal with the Saudi prince on the Rupali Bank as he had dithered over the takeover process for one and half years.
The Privatization Commission at that time blamed the Saudi Prince for breaching a primary agreement by not signing the sales and purchase agreement.
http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/0 ... ws0417.htm
Prince Aga Khan leaves for home
BSS, Dhaka
May 23, 2008, Updated: Bangladesh Time 12:00 AM
Prince Karim Aga Khan, the Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community, left here yesterday afternoon for home ending his four-day visit to Bangladesh.
Adviser for Foreign Affairs Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury saw him off at the VVIP terminal of the Zia International Airport.
Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, during his visit called on President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed.
The Chief Adviser hosted a banquet in honour of the distinguished guest at Sonargaon Hotel. The Prince also hosted a banquet in honour of the Chief Adviser.
The Aga Khan was in Dhaka as part of the commemoration of his Golden Jubilee-his 50th year as Imam of the Ismaili community. He acceded to the Ismaili Imamat succeeding his grandfather Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan in 1957.
Aga Khan placed a wreath at the National Monument for unknown martyrs soon after his arrival in Dhaka paying homage to their memories. He held meetings with Finance Adviser Dr A B Mirza Azizul Islam, Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Education Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman and Religious Affairs Adviser A F Hassan Ariff.
He laid foundation stones of Aga Khan Academy and Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre at Baridhara in the city. He also met with members of the Ismaili Muslim community.
Prince Aga Khan leaves for home
BSS, Dhaka
May 23, 2008, Updated: Bangladesh Time 12:00 AM
Prince Karim Aga Khan, the Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community, left here yesterday afternoon for home ending his four-day visit to Bangladesh.
Adviser for Foreign Affairs Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury saw him off at the VVIP terminal of the Zia International Airport.
Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, during his visit called on President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed.
The Chief Adviser hosted a banquet in honour of the distinguished guest at Sonargaon Hotel. The Prince also hosted a banquet in honour of the Chief Adviser.
The Aga Khan was in Dhaka as part of the commemoration of his Golden Jubilee-his 50th year as Imam of the Ismaili community. He acceded to the Ismaili Imamat succeeding his grandfather Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan in 1957.
Aga Khan placed a wreath at the National Monument for unknown martyrs soon after his arrival in Dhaka paying homage to their memories. He held meetings with Finance Adviser Dr A B Mirza Azizul Islam, Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Education Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman and Religious Affairs Adviser A F Hassan Ariff.
He laid foundation stones of Aga Khan Academy and Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre at Baridhara in the city. He also met with members of the Ismaili Muslim community.
http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=37814
The Daily Star
Friday, May 23, 2008 02:38 AM GMT+06:00
Aga Khan for quality edn to end confusions over Islam
Unb, Dhaka
Prince Karim Aga Khan yesterday stressed the need for acquiring quality education by young students to fight out the clash of ignorance about the Muslim ummah, which is wrongly perceived as clash of civilisation.
“It's not clash of civilisation, it's clash of ignorance,” he remarked during a roundtable with some editors and senior journalists at Sonargaon Hotel to wrap up his four-day state visit to Bangladesh.
Prince Karim, Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslims, who laid the foundation stone of the Aga Khan Academy here, said one should think of Islam on sound knowledge, not on opinion or incorrect reporting. There are lots of misinformation and disinformation about Islam.
He said the academy is being set up here with an aim to build it up as a centre of excellence where quality education will be imparted to brilliant students by qualified teachers.
The curriculum of the academy will be formulated in collaboration with international baccalaureates so the students could be taught in global-standard education system.
In Bangladesh, he said, quality secondary education is important alongside upgrading the quality of teaching.
The academy will integrate each local school with other in the network, sharing ideas and experiences, exchanging students and teachers so that all graduates achieve globally relevant credentials.
Stressing the importance of understanding the rich Islamic civilisation, he said all are concerned about the erosion of ethical values. It is not only important to ensure the ethics in government, but also in the civil society.
He said the civil society can contribute a lot to the development, but if the civil society is undermined by malpractice, one could imagine what would happen.
The academy being established on a 20-acre site at Bashundhara housing estate at a cost of $ 50 million will teach pluralism, ethics, free-market economy and Islamic civilisation among other subjects.
Prince Karim said the students with all backgrounds would be selected absolutely on merit basis and poor economic status would not be a bar to any student getting access to the academy.
In response to a question, Aga Khan said they will explore investment prospects in infrastructure, agro-based industry, IT and training of nurses with the participation of international development partners and financial institutions.
Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Observer Editor Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, BSS Chief Editor Zaglul A Chowdhury, AP Bureau Chief Farid Hossain, Press Club President Shawkat Mahmud and UNB Chief of Correspondents Shamim Ahmad joined the roundtable.
Prince Karim, who left Dhaka yesterday for Paris, also laid the foundation stone of permanent jamaat khana for Shia Ismaili Muslims at Bashundhara.
During his visit, marked by the golden jubilee of his imamat, the prince called on President Iajuddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed, advisers to the caretaker government and members of the Shia Ismaili community.
The Daily Star
Friday, May 23, 2008 02:38 AM GMT+06:00
Aga Khan for quality edn to end confusions over Islam
Unb, Dhaka
Prince Karim Aga Khan yesterday stressed the need for acquiring quality education by young students to fight out the clash of ignorance about the Muslim ummah, which is wrongly perceived as clash of civilisation.
“It's not clash of civilisation, it's clash of ignorance,” he remarked during a roundtable with some editors and senior journalists at Sonargaon Hotel to wrap up his four-day state visit to Bangladesh.
Prince Karim, Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslims, who laid the foundation stone of the Aga Khan Academy here, said one should think of Islam on sound knowledge, not on opinion or incorrect reporting. There are lots of misinformation and disinformation about Islam.
He said the academy is being set up here with an aim to build it up as a centre of excellence where quality education will be imparted to brilliant students by qualified teachers.
The curriculum of the academy will be formulated in collaboration with international baccalaureates so the students could be taught in global-standard education system.
In Bangladesh, he said, quality secondary education is important alongside upgrading the quality of teaching.
The academy will integrate each local school with other in the network, sharing ideas and experiences, exchanging students and teachers so that all graduates achieve globally relevant credentials.
Stressing the importance of understanding the rich Islamic civilisation, he said all are concerned about the erosion of ethical values. It is not only important to ensure the ethics in government, but also in the civil society.
He said the civil society can contribute a lot to the development, but if the civil society is undermined by malpractice, one could imagine what would happen.
The academy being established on a 20-acre site at Bashundhara housing estate at a cost of $ 50 million will teach pluralism, ethics, free-market economy and Islamic civilisation among other subjects.
Prince Karim said the students with all backgrounds would be selected absolutely on merit basis and poor economic status would not be a bar to any student getting access to the academy.
In response to a question, Aga Khan said they will explore investment prospects in infrastructure, agro-based industry, IT and training of nurses with the participation of international development partners and financial institutions.
Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Observer Editor Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, BSS Chief Editor Zaglul A Chowdhury, AP Bureau Chief Farid Hossain, Press Club President Shawkat Mahmud and UNB Chief of Correspondents Shamim Ahmad joined the roundtable.
Prince Karim, who left Dhaka yesterday for Paris, also laid the foundation stone of permanent jamaat khana for Shia Ismaili Muslims at Bashundhara.
During his visit, marked by the golden jubilee of his imamat, the prince called on President Iajuddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed, advisers to the caretaker government and members of the Shia Ismaili community.
http://www.newagebd.com/
The New Age
Dhaka 23 May 2008
Aga Khan foresees embellishment
of Islamic values
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka
Prince Karim Aga Khan, imam of the Ismaili Muslim community, says enormous misinformation about Islamic civilisation and values largely contributed to myriad undesirable confusion and conflicts across the world and foresees invigoration and embellishment of Islamic values in the days ahead.
‘Absence of knowledge tends to create conflicts between Islamic and non-Islamic world and this needs to be reversed,’ he said at a roundtable with a group of editors and senior journalists in Dhaka on Thursday.
The head of the Ismaili Muslim community, prior to his departure ending a four-day visit to Bangladesh, in this connection said Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka forms a part of a chain of 18 such educational institutions across different continents that would serve the purpose of true knowledge in a variety of areas.
The 50-million-dollar academy in the Bashundhara area in the city, foundation of which has been laid by Aga Khan during the visit, is the second in South Asia after Hyderabad in India and the first in a Muslim-majority country.
Explaining the purpose of the academy, he said it would be a non-profit institution where quality of education would be high under a global network. ‘We are seeking to be among the best internationally,’ he said, adding that access to the academy would be on merit while rural talents will get precedence under a search mechanism.
The Aga Khan said teaching and learning would be of high standard with English as the main language capable of developing links and being competitive in the outside world. The modern curriculum will include Islamic civilisation since this rich history needs to be understood in true perspective.
The Aga Khan, known for his intellectual excellence and penchant for working for socio-economic progress of the downtrodden and less developed, said people mired in abject poverty are required to be helped as far as possible. He said education at the secondary level in countries like Bangladesh needs to be vastly improved for the sake of overall development.
Laying emphasis on ‘pluralism’ in approach and ideas for the development of the human being regardless of nations or faiths, he said a happy and healthy society could be built only on sound mind and soul.
On a philosophical note, the Aga Khan visualises a better world based on economic and social justice and fair play which would help ensure happiness for the larger segment of the vast multitude.
The Aga Khan left Dhaka Thursday afternoon for home ending his visit to Bangladesh.
The adviser for foreign affairs, Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, saw him off at the VVIP terminal of the Zia International Airport.
The New Age
Dhaka 23 May 2008
Aga Khan foresees embellishment
of Islamic values
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka
Prince Karim Aga Khan, imam of the Ismaili Muslim community, says enormous misinformation about Islamic civilisation and values largely contributed to myriad undesirable confusion and conflicts across the world and foresees invigoration and embellishment of Islamic values in the days ahead.
‘Absence of knowledge tends to create conflicts between Islamic and non-Islamic world and this needs to be reversed,’ he said at a roundtable with a group of editors and senior journalists in Dhaka on Thursday.
The head of the Ismaili Muslim community, prior to his departure ending a four-day visit to Bangladesh, in this connection said Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka forms a part of a chain of 18 such educational institutions across different continents that would serve the purpose of true knowledge in a variety of areas.
The 50-million-dollar academy in the Bashundhara area in the city, foundation of which has been laid by Aga Khan during the visit, is the second in South Asia after Hyderabad in India and the first in a Muslim-majority country.
Explaining the purpose of the academy, he said it would be a non-profit institution where quality of education would be high under a global network. ‘We are seeking to be among the best internationally,’ he said, adding that access to the academy would be on merit while rural talents will get precedence under a search mechanism.
The Aga Khan said teaching and learning would be of high standard with English as the main language capable of developing links and being competitive in the outside world. The modern curriculum will include Islamic civilisation since this rich history needs to be understood in true perspective.
The Aga Khan, known for his intellectual excellence and penchant for working for socio-economic progress of the downtrodden and less developed, said people mired in abject poverty are required to be helped as far as possible. He said education at the secondary level in countries like Bangladesh needs to be vastly improved for the sake of overall development.
Laying emphasis on ‘pluralism’ in approach and ideas for the development of the human being regardless of nations or faiths, he said a happy and healthy society could be built only on sound mind and soul.
On a philosophical note, the Aga Khan visualises a better world based on economic and social justice and fair play which would help ensure happiness for the larger segment of the vast multitude.
The Aga Khan left Dhaka Thursday afternoon for home ending his visit to Bangladesh.
The adviser for foreign affairs, Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, saw him off at the VVIP terminal of the Zia International Airport.
Prince Karim Aga Khan shakes hands with President Iajuddin Ahmed during a courtesy call at the Bangabhaban yesterday. Photo: PID
http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=37622
The Daily Star
Friday, May 23, 2008 02:59 AM GMT+06:00
Aga Khan pledges help in developing human resources
Unb, Dhaka
Prince Karim Aga Khan shakes hands with President Iajuddin Ahmed during a courtesy call at the Bangabhaban yesterday. Photo: PID
The visiting Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community, Prince Karim Aga Khan, yesterday said his community would undertake various training programmes to develop human resources in Bangladesh.
He said this when talking to President Iajuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, who was present at the meeting, spoke to reporters about the meeting.
The Aga Khan assured the president of enhancing support to Bangladesh in achieving its development goals in different fields.
During the meeting, the president welcomed Prince Karim Aga Khan and thanked him for his contributions towards social, economic, religious and cultural development of the world Muslims as well as the people of Bangladesh.
President Iajuddin recognised the contribution of Aga Khan Development Network and Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) to Bangladesh's development, especially in the fields of education, healthcare, micro-finance, civil society development and poverty alleviation and hoped that the support would continue.
He thanked the Aga Khan for the contribution of the Ismaili community to Bangladesh's economic development, their services to the nation and establishment of the Aga Khan Academy for education and cultural development.
The president sought cooperation from the head of the Ismaili community in funding research work and stipends for Dhaka University students to promote quality education.
He suggested that the Ismaili community should take the excellent investment opportunities that Bangladesh offer to potential investors, especially in the fields of information and communication technology and agro-processing industries.
Prince Karim Aga Khan told the president that he had fruitful discussions with the Bangladesh authorities in strengthening relation between Bangladesh and his community and informed him of reviving the Aga Khan Gold Cup, once the most popular football tournament in the country.
Director of Diplomatic Affairs Shafik Sachedina, President of Aga Khan Council for Bangladesh Habib Hirji and Director of Aga Khan Academies Salim Bhatia were present.
Foreign affairs adviser, Minister-in-Waiting Raja Debashish Roy, Military Secretary to the President Major General Mohd Aminul Karim, Secretary of the President's Office Md Sirajul Islam and Press Secretary to the President Abdu
http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=37693
Published On: 2008-05-22
Metropolitan
Aga Khan lays foundation stone for Jamatkhana
Staff Correspondent
Visiting Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of Shia Ismaili Muslims, and Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury jointly laid the foundation for the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Dhaka yesterday, which will be used as a place for congregational gathering of the Ismailis and their administrative functions.
"We see this new addition to the Dhaka cityscape as a symbol of our continuing historic commitment to this country and further reinforcement of the warm relations which the Ismaili people have enjoyed here," Prince Karim said at the foundation stone laying ceremony.
The centre, which will be built in Bashundhara Residential Area, will also bring the community members together at seminars, lectures, cultural and educational events and other programmes.
Saying that the Jamatkhana will be a place of peace and tranquillity, filled with the spirit of humility and prayer, the Aga Khan said: "It will not be a place for conceit or self-satisfaction, but a place for search and enlightenment."
Recalling his grandfather Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan's call to Ismailis to settle in the then East Pakistan after the partition of subcontinent, he said the commitment to Bangladesh has continued in more recent years, often channelled through the activities of the Aga Khan Development Network.
He said the Jamatkhana and the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka will play complementary roles as they will work to dispel ignorance, cultivate a cosmopolitan outlook and nourish the cause of peace and harmony among peoples and cultures within this country and around the world.
"Bangladesh has made a courageous commitment through the years to values which have grown out of Islamic traditions, but which are of universal applicability: a dedication to human dignity; to taking and giving the hand of friendship; to humility in the all-enveloping divine presence which impels one to celebrate God-given differences, rather than denigrating them, and to the persistence of hope, and to the resilience which hope bestows," he said.
Bss adds: Education Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman yesterday called on visiting Prince Karim Aga Khan at his hotel suite.
During the meeting, he proposed a forum for holding annual exchange of views session, which would play a pioneering role in the country's education sector. The prince supported the proposal, an official handout said.
Aga Khan suggested further promotion of the university research activities and improvement of the child-level madrasa education. He also recommended inclusion of moral education, culture and subjects related to freedom from fundamentalism in the curriculum.
Prince Aga Khan assured of providing all possible assistance in the education sector of Bangladesh, the handout said.
Published On: 2008-05-22
Metropolitan
Aga Khan lays foundation stone for Jamatkhana
Staff Correspondent
Visiting Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of Shia Ismaili Muslims, and Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury jointly laid the foundation for the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Dhaka yesterday, which will be used as a place for congregational gathering of the Ismailis and their administrative functions.
"We see this new addition to the Dhaka cityscape as a symbol of our continuing historic commitment to this country and further reinforcement of the warm relations which the Ismaili people have enjoyed here," Prince Karim said at the foundation stone laying ceremony.
The centre, which will be built in Bashundhara Residential Area, will also bring the community members together at seminars, lectures, cultural and educational events and other programmes.
Saying that the Jamatkhana will be a place of peace and tranquillity, filled with the spirit of humility and prayer, the Aga Khan said: "It will not be a place for conceit or self-satisfaction, but a place for search and enlightenment."
Recalling his grandfather Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan's call to Ismailis to settle in the then East Pakistan after the partition of subcontinent, he said the commitment to Bangladesh has continued in more recent years, often channelled through the activities of the Aga Khan Development Network.
He said the Jamatkhana and the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka will play complementary roles as they will work to dispel ignorance, cultivate a cosmopolitan outlook and nourish the cause of peace and harmony among peoples and cultures within this country and around the world.
"Bangladesh has made a courageous commitment through the years to values which have grown out of Islamic traditions, but which are of universal applicability: a dedication to human dignity; to taking and giving the hand of friendship; to humility in the all-enveloping divine presence which impels one to celebrate God-given differences, rather than denigrating them, and to the persistence of hope, and to the resilience which hope bestows," he said.
Bss adds: Education Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman yesterday called on visiting Prince Karim Aga Khan at his hotel suite.
During the meeting, he proposed a forum for holding annual exchange of views session, which would play a pioneering role in the country's education sector. The prince supported the proposal, an official handout said.
Aga Khan suggested further promotion of the university research activities and improvement of the child-level madrasa education. He also recommended inclusion of moral education, culture and subjects related to freedom from fundamentalism in the curriculum.
Prince Aga Khan assured of providing all possible assistance in the education sector of Bangladesh, the handout said.
Updates from theismaili.org. There are links to speeches and video.
Bangladesh visit
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam meets with the Honourable President of Bangladesh, Iajuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban Palace in Dhaka. Photo: Gary Otte
Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Honourable President of Bangladesh, Iajuddin Ahmed at the Bangabhaban Palace.
In the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam presided over the Foundation-Stone laying ceremony for the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Dhaka, in the presence of Bangladesh's Honourable Adviser for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury who was the chief guest.
Describing it as a “a place for search and enlightenment,” Mawlana Hazar Imam hoped that the new Jamatkhana would provide a space in which “men and women in this pluralist country can help strengthen those common bonds which reflect our common challenges and which will shape our common destiny.”
“The Jamatkhana and the Academy,” said Mawlana Hazar Imam, “will serve complementary roles as they work to dispel ignorance, cultivate a cosmopolitan outlook and nourish the cause of peace and harmony.” Hazar Imam described their dedication to spiritual and educational pursuits, noting that these are “commitments which grow fundamentally out of Islamic traditions, and which will be instrumental in the future development of this country.”
Also see the video and the text of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s speech at the Foundation ceremony of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Dhaka.
In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam was guest of honour at a dinner hosted by the Jamati institutions of Bangladesh.
Additional photographs are available in the photo gallery. Further details about the visit will continue to be posted at www.TheIsmaili.org.
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam speaks at the Foundation-Stone Laying ceremony of the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photo: Gary Otte
This morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam presided over the Foundation-Stone Laying ceremony of the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka. The Honourable Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, Bangladesh’s Education Adviser, was the chief guest at the ceremony.
Emphasising the importance of education in the Islamic tradition, Mawlana Hazar Imam said that “world and faith are inseparable in Islam. Faith and learning are also profoundly interconnected.”
Also see coverage of the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka at the AKDN website, including the press release, photos and speeches by Mawlana Hazar Imam and Salim Bhatia, Director of the Aga Khan Academies Programme.
Of interest: Academy in Mombasa on the fast-track to realising its vision.
In the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with Bangladesh’s Honourable Adviser for Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Adviser for Finance, the Honourable Adviser for Religious Affairs and the Honourable Adviser for Education.
Later in the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam hosted an Imamat Banquet in honour of the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, which was preceded by a reception for the Bangladesh diplomatic corps.
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/331/Bangladesh-visit
Bangladesh visit
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam meets with the Honourable President of Bangladesh, Iajuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban Palace in Dhaka. Photo: Gary Otte
Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Honourable President of Bangladesh, Iajuddin Ahmed at the Bangabhaban Palace.
In the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam presided over the Foundation-Stone laying ceremony for the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Dhaka, in the presence of Bangladesh's Honourable Adviser for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury who was the chief guest.
Describing it as a “a place for search and enlightenment,” Mawlana Hazar Imam hoped that the new Jamatkhana would provide a space in which “men and women in this pluralist country can help strengthen those common bonds which reflect our common challenges and which will shape our common destiny.”
“The Jamatkhana and the Academy,” said Mawlana Hazar Imam, “will serve complementary roles as they work to dispel ignorance, cultivate a cosmopolitan outlook and nourish the cause of peace and harmony.” Hazar Imam described their dedication to spiritual and educational pursuits, noting that these are “commitments which grow fundamentally out of Islamic traditions, and which will be instrumental in the future development of this country.”
Also see the video and the text of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s speech at the Foundation ceremony of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Dhaka.
In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam was guest of honour at a dinner hosted by the Jamati institutions of Bangladesh.
Additional photographs are available in the photo gallery. Further details about the visit will continue to be posted at www.TheIsmaili.org.
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam speaks at the Foundation-Stone Laying ceremony of the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photo: Gary Otte
This morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam presided over the Foundation-Stone Laying ceremony of the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka. The Honourable Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, Bangladesh’s Education Adviser, was the chief guest at the ceremony.
Emphasising the importance of education in the Islamic tradition, Mawlana Hazar Imam said that “world and faith are inseparable in Islam. Faith and learning are also profoundly interconnected.”
Also see coverage of the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka at the AKDN website, including the press release, photos and speeches by Mawlana Hazar Imam and Salim Bhatia, Director of the Aga Khan Academies Programme.
Of interest: Academy in Mombasa on the fast-track to realising its vision.
In the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam met with Bangladesh’s Honourable Adviser for Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Adviser for Finance, the Honourable Adviser for Religious Affairs and the Honourable Adviser for Education.
Later in the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam hosted an Imamat Banquet in honour of the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, which was preceded by a reception for the Bangladesh diplomatic corps.
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/331/Bangladesh-visit
http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=37575
Published On: 2008-05-22
Editorial
A centre for world class education
Aga Khan's welcome initiative
THE laying of foundation stone for the Aga Khan Academy in the city on Tuesday by Prince Karim Aga Khan has gone down as a crowning act of his august visit to Bangladesh. It has provided with an opportunity for us to greet his educational vision. The leader of the Ismailia community has reminded people once more of the ethical principles that should govern education. The academy in Dhaka is one of eighteen such centres of learning around the world and the first in a Muslim country Bangladesh. We are happy that Karim Aga Khan has chosen to have the academy established here.
While we appreciate the move, we cannot but point out some basic ideas that the academy must work on if it means to be any different from the usual run of educational institutions. Significantly, the Aga Khan has spoken of three principles guiding the academy, the first one being the centrality of quality education as an element in Islamic tradition; the second being integrity of local and national cultures with students being connected to global perspectives having due regard to each person's particular heritage; and last but not least, it will follow dual language curriculum in native tongue and English. In other words, connectivity -- and not just between people in Bangladesh but also with others outside our frontiers -- will be one of the fundamental aims behind the working of the academy.
All these ideas, as propounded by the Aga Khan, are welcome because they aim at an inculcation of modernity in young minds. A purely merit-based approach should be the tenor of the whole programme. And we are heartened by the fact that 'young men and women from all backgrounds, 'irrespective of ability to pay' will find access to the academy. Our hope is that talented students from poor households, who are deprived of high quality learning will get a chance to be educated in the world class academy. Having observed some recent trends of education in private universities, we suggest that the Aga Khan Academy set some new standards in education through making it available to all and making it affordable for all.
Published On: 2008-05-22
Editorial
A centre for world class education
Aga Khan's welcome initiative
THE laying of foundation stone for the Aga Khan Academy in the city on Tuesday by Prince Karim Aga Khan has gone down as a crowning act of his august visit to Bangladesh. It has provided with an opportunity for us to greet his educational vision. The leader of the Ismailia community has reminded people once more of the ethical principles that should govern education. The academy in Dhaka is one of eighteen such centres of learning around the world and the first in a Muslim country Bangladesh. We are happy that Karim Aga Khan has chosen to have the academy established here.
While we appreciate the move, we cannot but point out some basic ideas that the academy must work on if it means to be any different from the usual run of educational institutions. Significantly, the Aga Khan has spoken of three principles guiding the academy, the first one being the centrality of quality education as an element in Islamic tradition; the second being integrity of local and national cultures with students being connected to global perspectives having due regard to each person's particular heritage; and last but not least, it will follow dual language curriculum in native tongue and English. In other words, connectivity -- and not just between people in Bangladesh but also with others outside our frontiers -- will be one of the fundamental aims behind the working of the academy.
All these ideas, as propounded by the Aga Khan, are welcome because they aim at an inculcation of modernity in young minds. A purely merit-based approach should be the tenor of the whole programme. And we are heartened by the fact that 'young men and women from all backgrounds, 'irrespective of ability to pay' will find access to the academy. Our hope is that talented students from poor households, who are deprived of high quality learning will get a chance to be educated in the world class academy. Having observed some recent trends of education in private universities, we suggest that the Aga Khan Academy set some new standards in education through making it available to all and making it affordable for all.
Update from theismaili.org
Bangladesh visit
Thursday, 22 May 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam bids farewell to the Jamat as he prepares to leave Bangladesh. Photo: Gary Otte
This morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam graciously granted a Golden Jubilee Darbar to the Jamat of Bangladesh and to the thousands of members of the Jamat who had come from abroad.
Later in the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam left Dhaka. Bangladesh’s Honourable Adviser for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury bid him farewell on behalf of the Government. Leaders of the Jamat were also present, as Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to Bangladesh concluded.
Additional photographs are available in the photo gallery and on the AKDN website. Also see the video and the text of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s speech at the foundation ceremony of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Dhaka.
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/331/Bangladesh-visit
Bangladesh visit
Thursday, 22 May 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam bids farewell to the Jamat as he prepares to leave Bangladesh. Photo: Gary Otte
This morning, Mawlana Hazar Imam graciously granted a Golden Jubilee Darbar to the Jamat of Bangladesh and to the thousands of members of the Jamat who had come from abroad.
Later in the afternoon, Mawlana Hazar Imam left Dhaka. Bangladesh’s Honourable Adviser for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury bid him farewell on behalf of the Government. Leaders of the Jamat were also present, as Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee visit to Bangladesh concluded.
Additional photographs are available in the photo gallery and on the AKDN website. Also see the video and the text of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s speech at the foundation ceremony of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Dhaka.
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/331/Bangladesh-visit