The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

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.