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.
BANGLADESH Didar dates, events and testimonies
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
Exclusif Heritage Photos of H.H. The Aga Khan at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
http://www.ismaili.net/timeline/2008/dh ... dhaka.html
More documents here!
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http://www.ismaili.net/timeline/2008/dh ... dhaka.html
More documents here!
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President, Aga Khan hope for enhanced cooperation between Bangladesh-World Ismaili Community
Monday, May 26, 2008; Posted: 06:03 AM
Dhaka, May 21, 2008 (Asia Pulse Data Source via COMTEX) -- -- President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and visiting Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community Prince Karim Aga Khan Wednesday hoped that the relation between Bangladesh and Ismaili community would be cemented further.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said this to reporters after emerging out of a call-on meeting between the President and the Head of the Ismaili community at Bangabhaban.
During the meeting, the President welcomed Prince Karim Aga Khan and thanked him for his contributions in social, economical, religious and cultural development of the world Muslims as well as the people of Bangladesh.
President Iajuddin recognized 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, civil society development and poverty alleviation and hoped that the support would continue.
He thanked Aga Khan for the contribution of the Ismaili community to Bangladesh's economic development, their services to the nation and establishment of Aga Khan Academy (AKA) for education and cultural development.
The President sought cooperation from the head of the Ismaili community in funding research work and stipends for the 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 informed the President that he had fruitful discussions with the Bangladesh authorities in strengthening relation between Bangladesh and his community.
Imam of the Shia Ismaili community assured the President of enhancing support to Bangladesh in achieving its development goals in different fields.
He also assured the President that Aga Khan Academy would undertake various training programmes to develop human resources including in the nursing sector.
Prince Karim informed the President 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.
The Foreign 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 Abdul Awal Howlader were also present.
President, Aga Khan hope for enhanced cooperation between Bangladesh-World Ismaili Community
Monday, May 26, 2008; Posted: 06:03 AM
Dhaka, May 21, 2008 (Asia Pulse Data Source via COMTEX) -- -- President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and visiting Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community Prince Karim Aga Khan Wednesday hoped that the relation between Bangladesh and Ismaili community would be cemented further.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said this to reporters after emerging out of a call-on meeting between the President and the Head of the Ismaili community at Bangabhaban.
During the meeting, the President welcomed Prince Karim Aga Khan and thanked him for his contributions in social, economical, religious and cultural development of the world Muslims as well as the people of Bangladesh.
President Iajuddin recognized 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, civil society development and poverty alleviation and hoped that the support would continue.
He thanked Aga Khan for the contribution of the Ismaili community to Bangladesh's economic development, their services to the nation and establishment of Aga Khan Academy (AKA) for education and cultural development.
The President sought cooperation from the head of the Ismaili community in funding research work and stipends for the 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 informed the President that he had fruitful discussions with the Bangladesh authorities in strengthening relation between Bangladesh and his community.
Imam of the Shia Ismaili community assured the President of enhancing support to Bangladesh in achieving its development goals in different fields.
He also assured the President that Aga Khan Academy would undertake various training programmes to develop human resources including in the nursing sector.
Prince Karim informed the President 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.
The Foreign 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 Abdul Awal Howlader were also present.
Jampudeep mein Mowla ka jadoo chhagaya
It was pure magic! Hats off to our Indian Brothers and Sisters for the awesome Golden Jubilee Celebrations in India held from May 12th to 18th.
10000 people lined up the streets outside Hyderabad airport and 15000 people outside Mumbai Sahar airport to welcome our Beloved Mowla. The Indian jamat showed full generosity and big hearts during the entire jubilee week. The celebrations in jamatkhana were festive and I was very much impressed with the spectacular fireworks displays on the day of Mowla's arrival in Mumbai.
The registration process was smooth and courteous. I was amazed to learn that entire trains had been chartered to transport jamat from various towns and villages to Mumbai. These trains were dubbed Jubilee Expresses. Hundreds of coaches had also been arranged to bring the jamat from the train station to the darbar complex. This excellent organisation amidst such a huge jamat is awesome and humbling to witness. The darbars themselves were grandiose.
It was another humbling experience to see so many murids in the darbar hall, waiting patiently and calmly for the entire day, squeezed tightly together without complaint and with smiles on their faces. Even the snack packs were so generous and all volunteers were friendly, generous and helpful. It was no wonder then that throughout the darbar, from entry to exit, our Beloved Mowla was very very very happy. He was twinkling away, even cracking jokes with the Mukhisaheb on the stage. My soul cried with joy to see my Mowla so very happy. This was indeed a darbar to be witnessed and to all those who kept away, scared of being uncomfortable in such huge crowds and hot weather - what a loss!
Even after Mowla's exit from the darbar, loud announcements were made on the megaphone imploring the jamat that this was Golden Jubilee Day and no one should leave without eating. Dinner for such a huge crowd was served within 15 minutes after Mowla's departure. Truly Jubilee in the Jampudeep was a memorable, outstanding, exhilerating and grand ocassion.
Hats off, India jamat!!!
As for Bangladesh, it was a beautiful celebration as well, small, intimate and very fulfilling. The best thing I liked about Dhaka were the arches set up on the roads with proclamations of "Long live His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan". Also the entire road from the airport to Mowla's hotel to the darbar shamiana was dotted with the My Flags and with huge, congratulatory billboards. The arches mentioned above were even acknowleged by our Beloved Mowla in his Farman. The fact that the arches were worded, Long live His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, shows how much love and respect the Bangladeshi people have for our Imam. Congratulations and well done, Bangladesh!
10000 people lined up the streets outside Hyderabad airport and 15000 people outside Mumbai Sahar airport to welcome our Beloved Mowla. The Indian jamat showed full generosity and big hearts during the entire jubilee week. The celebrations in jamatkhana were festive and I was very much impressed with the spectacular fireworks displays on the day of Mowla's arrival in Mumbai.
The registration process was smooth and courteous. I was amazed to learn that entire trains had been chartered to transport jamat from various towns and villages to Mumbai. These trains were dubbed Jubilee Expresses. Hundreds of coaches had also been arranged to bring the jamat from the train station to the darbar complex. This excellent organisation amidst such a huge jamat is awesome and humbling to witness. The darbars themselves were grandiose.
It was another humbling experience to see so many murids in the darbar hall, waiting patiently and calmly for the entire day, squeezed tightly together without complaint and with smiles on their faces. Even the snack packs were so generous and all volunteers were friendly, generous and helpful. It was no wonder then that throughout the darbar, from entry to exit, our Beloved Mowla was very very very happy. He was twinkling away, even cracking jokes with the Mukhisaheb on the stage. My soul cried with joy to see my Mowla so very happy. This was indeed a darbar to be witnessed and to all those who kept away, scared of being uncomfortable in such huge crowds and hot weather - what a loss!
Even after Mowla's exit from the darbar, loud announcements were made on the megaphone imploring the jamat that this was Golden Jubilee Day and no one should leave without eating. Dinner for such a huge crowd was served within 15 minutes after Mowla's departure. Truly Jubilee in the Jampudeep was a memorable, outstanding, exhilerating and grand ocassion.
Hats off, India jamat!!!
As for Bangladesh, it was a beautiful celebration as well, small, intimate and very fulfilling. The best thing I liked about Dhaka were the arches set up on the roads with proclamations of "Long live His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan". Also the entire road from the airport to Mowla's hotel to the darbar shamiana was dotted with the My Flags and with huge, congratulatory billboards. The arches mentioned above were even acknowleged by our Beloved Mowla in his Farman. The fact that the arches were worded, Long live His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, shows how much love and respect the Bangladeshi people have for our Imam. Congratulations and well done, Bangladesh!
Golden Jubilee Bangladesh Stamps and First Day Cover
Last edited by Admin on Sun Jun 01, 2008 6:22 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Re: Jampudeep mein Mowla ka jadoo chhagaya
xaf wrote:<BR>As for Bangladesh, it was a beautiful celebration as well, small, intimate and very fulfilling. The best thing I liked about Dhaka were the arches set up o­n the roads with proclamations of "Long live His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan". Also the entire road from the airport to Mowla's hotel to the darbar shamiana was dotted with the My Flags and with huge, congratulatory billboards. The arches mentioned above were even acknowleged by our Beloved Mowla in his Farman. The fact that the arches were worded, Long live His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, shows how much love and respect the Bangladeshi people have for our Imam. Congratulations and well done, Bangladesh!
Ya Ali Madad xaf, thanks for your wonderful accounts of the two darbars. Mubaraki! If you or anyone else has pictures of of the archs, roads or billboards, please let me know. I would love to see them! Awaiting your response,
Khaliya
Re: Jampudeep mein Mowla ka jadoo chhagaya
I'm sorry but unfortunately I did not manage to get pictures. But if anybody did I would like a copy too.Khaliya wrote:xaf wrote:<BR>As for Bangladesh, it was a beautiful celebration as well, small, intimate and very fulfilling. The best thing I liked about Dhaka were the arches set up o­n the roads with proclamations of "Long live His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan". Also the entire road from the airport to Mowla's hotel to the darbar shamiana was dotted with the My Flags and with huge, congratulatory billboards. The arches mentioned above were even acknowleged by our Beloved Mowla in his Farman. The fact that the arches were worded, Long live His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, shows how much love and respect the Bangladeshi people have for our Imam. Congratulations and well done, Bangladesh!
Ya Ali Madad xaf, thanks for your wonderful accounts of the two darbars. Mubaraki! If you or anyone else has pictures of of the archs, roads or billboards, please let me know. I would love to see them! Awaiting your response,
Khaliya
Posted AS RECEIVED - MOVED BY ADMIN FROM OTHER SECTION.
PostPosted: Fri May 30, 2008 12:06 pm Post subject: Gist of Dhaka Farman:
The gist of the farman is as follows:
1. - Mowla asked the Jamat that was from outside Bangladesh to take His blessings to their jamats.
-Blessing to all the volunteers who had worked so hard for the banners and the arches that were on the roads.
- talked about rejoicing and unity, and also blessing for the Ruhani.
2. -Talked about Bangladesh being small but still making progress which makes Imam very happy.
3. - Talked about how we are now living a competitive world and we should work hard and in unity.
- even though small jamat, make associations, and work together. Mowla said, “my jamat likes its independence”, but we should still try and work together. and also when entering into groups, we should plan our exit in such a way, that we can still be in a stable environment.
4. Din and Duniya live side by side. Take tasbhi, for a second, one second, two second, five minutes, but don’t let your day go by forgetting your faith.
5. Mowla thanked the Govt of Bangladesh for the warm welcome -- and the Govt of Bangladesh also issued stamps commemorating Golden Jubilee.
Mowla talked about unity again. and then after the Mehmani and Abe safa ceremony - Mowla mentioned about time and nazarna knowledge.
Blessings for those who have given both in material and time and knowledge nazarana.
Mowla then mentioned sharing knowledge with the jamat and with the institutions.
If there are differences, Mowla said, leave them aside, start again, and be united. It is “My Golden Jubilee”, He said, rejoice and be happy, enjoy dandia.
I remember Mowla specifically saying “I am happy when My children are together and I’m unhappy when they are not together.”
After the Farman, Mowla walked slowly on the runners again, lovingly showering His Rahemat on each side, and even looking up to those who were not at the runners.
and when Mowla came to the section where there were people on the strechers, Mowla went over and spent a few long minutes with a past leader who was in the streacher. Apparently it was this leader who had acquired the land in the Bashundara complex where the Ismaili Centre and the Aga Khan Academy is being built.
Mowla then walked towards the exit runner, and then turned around, paused and looked over to the entire Jamat and blessed each one again. It was apparent, Mowla did not want to leave -- I only wish the jamat would have receited “ aysa me jaan ti to, chalne naa deti piya...” I have a feeling, Mowla would have really come back to the Jamat.
It was quite hot that day, and as the volunteers made their way outside , it started to rain, and everyone one was in tears. It was the most unique moment. Tears in the rain!
Jamat was silent while Mowla was in the lounge area. After Mowla physically left the Darbar complex, Jamat exited the Darbar hall, as evening Jamat khane was going to be held in the darbar hall, shoes were not permitted in the darbar hall.
and then lunch was served. Rest for the afternoon.
After Jamati ceremonies in the evening, the volunteers gave “asmini “ to all the international/ and local jamati members, and then there was dinner and dandia. During dandia, it started to rain, but the young jamat, continued dandiaraas in the rain.
Golden Jubilee Mubarak to all!!
PostPosted: Fri May 30, 2008 12:06 pm Post subject: Gist of Dhaka Farman:
The gist of the farman is as follows:
1. - Mowla asked the Jamat that was from outside Bangladesh to take His blessings to their jamats.
-Blessing to all the volunteers who had worked so hard for the banners and the arches that were on the roads.
- talked about rejoicing and unity, and also blessing for the Ruhani.
2. -Talked about Bangladesh being small but still making progress which makes Imam very happy.
3. - Talked about how we are now living a competitive world and we should work hard and in unity.
- even though small jamat, make associations, and work together. Mowla said, “my jamat likes its independence”, but we should still try and work together. and also when entering into groups, we should plan our exit in such a way, that we can still be in a stable environment.
4. Din and Duniya live side by side. Take tasbhi, for a second, one second, two second, five minutes, but don’t let your day go by forgetting your faith.
5. Mowla thanked the Govt of Bangladesh for the warm welcome -- and the Govt of Bangladesh also issued stamps commemorating Golden Jubilee.
Mowla talked about unity again. and then after the Mehmani and Abe safa ceremony - Mowla mentioned about time and nazarna knowledge.
Blessings for those who have given both in material and time and knowledge nazarana.
Mowla then mentioned sharing knowledge with the jamat and with the institutions.
If there are differences, Mowla said, leave them aside, start again, and be united. It is “My Golden Jubilee”, He said, rejoice and be happy, enjoy dandia.
I remember Mowla specifically saying “I am happy when My children are together and I’m unhappy when they are not together.”
After the Farman, Mowla walked slowly on the runners again, lovingly showering His Rahemat on each side, and even looking up to those who were not at the runners.
and when Mowla came to the section where there were people on the strechers, Mowla went over and spent a few long minutes with a past leader who was in the streacher. Apparently it was this leader who had acquired the land in the Bashundara complex where the Ismaili Centre and the Aga Khan Academy is being built.
Mowla then walked towards the exit runner, and then turned around, paused and looked over to the entire Jamat and blessed each one again. It was apparent, Mowla did not want to leave -- I only wish the jamat would have receited “ aysa me jaan ti to, chalne naa deti piya...” I have a feeling, Mowla would have really come back to the Jamat.
It was quite hot that day, and as the volunteers made their way outside , it started to rain, and everyone one was in tears. It was the most unique moment. Tears in the rain!
Jamat was silent while Mowla was in the lounge area. After Mowla physically left the Darbar complex, Jamat exited the Darbar hall, as evening Jamat khane was going to be held in the darbar hall, shoes were not permitted in the darbar hall.
and then lunch was served. Rest for the afternoon.
After Jamati ceremonies in the evening, the volunteers gave “asmini “ to all the international/ and local jamati members, and then there was dinner and dandia. During dandia, it started to rain, but the young jamat, continued dandiaraas in the rain.
Golden Jubilee Mubarak to all!!
Last edited by Admin on Sat May 31, 2008 5:53 pm, edited 1 time in total.
THIS POST HAS BEEN MOVED By ADMIN FROM OTHER SECTION
PostPosted: 30 May 2008 11:27 am Post subject: Dhaka testimony
forwarded as received:
Arrived at Dhaka airport in the afternoon, after missing the air india flight and - (our plane parked next to Mowla’s plane and then when we entered the airport runway were greeted with the most gracious welcome the Golden Jubilee Banner at the aiport)
Right there and then, all the worries seemed to go out the window and just wanted to go to khane to say shukhar.
Mowla had already landed, and we rushed to the hotel, and went to khane, only to find out that dua was recited at 6:00, and we were in time for the dinner and dandia.
The Ismaili band had come especially for this Darbar from Pakistan. They played the best music ever. Jamat was in the most joyous mood I had ever seen.
There was an announcement in khane that Jamat was welcomed to line outside the next day, on the roads, where the canopies were set up, to welcome Mowla’s car for the opening of the Academy. Jamat was asked to be seated and were given Dhaka flags and My Flags.
At approximately 10:45 a.m., the motor entourage came in with the policemen on the motorbikes, followed by Mowla’s car. Mowla smiled and waved at the Jamat, but the car seemed to have gone too fast.
The Jamat was given snack pack of apple, crisps and abundant supply of water for the next 2 hours as the Jamat was eagerly waiting for the return of Mowla’s car. The moment arrived, and this time, Mowla’s car drove ever so slowly. Everyone that I talked to said they saw Mowla’s wave. Again shukhar for wave didar.
Went to khane in the evening, had dinner with the Jamat and there was a concert by Kamal Taj.
It was quite a unique experience seeing the jamati members from different parts of the world, all gathered under one huge canopy, enjoying and living Mowla’s historical milestones of the last 50 years.
Fresh sugar cane juice was being served to the Jamat.
Didn’t stay for dandia this time -- wanted to go to morning khane.
Also, there was an announcement in khane that the Jamat was welcome to come back to khane the next day, and gather in the canopies, for a similar motor welcome, as Mowla was coming back to the Bashundara complex for the foundation ceremony of the Ismaili Centre. Each head of the local jamati member was given one invitation card to be present during the ceremony and the rest of the family members were asked to be outside with the international jamat in the compound.
Sharply at 3:00, the motorcade drove into the complex, and Mowla waved at the eagerly waiting jamat. This time there were no flags given to the jamati members.
Again a second wave didar when Mowla left the complex. Shukar!
Evening Jamat khane was held at the Bashundara complex and there were no activities this evening, as the Golden Jubilee Darbar was going to be held the next day.
Baitul khayal khane was filled to the brim, and the jamati members started lining up at 6:00 a.m.
As usual security line-ups were bottlenecked.
Government Policemen were in charge of the scanners and the police women were checking the ladies hand bags.
Volunteers were told to be on duty by 4:30 a.m, and then everyone was whisked out at around 6:15 a.m only to go back inside for the duty after going thru the security check.
This is where most of the jamat was getting anxious, as were the volunteers who had not finished set ups, and vacuuming.
All in all, once the lines started moving, jamat settled in quickly.
The Darbar hall, was the most serene hall I had ever been too. Compared to the Darbar hall in Mumbai, Dhaka darbar hall was small. Even though I really liked the golden and white canopy of the Mumbai Darbar hall, the Dhaka Darbar hall was unique. There was something magical about the lights.
Mowla’s expected arrival time was around 11:00 a.m., and volunteers were asked to be seated and partake in the intezar program for the last 40 minutes, but Mowla came in early!
As the last item of the intezar program was the recital of the Quran ayat, it was announced that Mowla was 7 minutes away from the Darbar Hall. Volunteers were asked to take their seats wherever they were, and Mowla’s car entered the complex.
Jamat started reciting salwat, and then when Mowla entered the lounge, the jamat was asked to be in the “personal-silent intezar mode”, which I have now come to appreciate.
but then, jamat was asked to recite Ya aly khub majalas ginan that was going to be receited in front of Mowla, which the jamat eagerly did. Some seniors who were in the wheel chairs were being transferred to be near the entrance of the lounge, and within a few minutes, there was a silence and a divine wave of light entered the Darbar Hall. Salwats were recited with love and tears in everyone’s eyes as Mowla loving entered the darbar hall. Mowla walked ever so slowly, lovingly saying Khanavadan to each side of the runners.
There were no huge LCD’s only small screens, as Mowla could be seen from every where.
Slowly and ever so graciously Mowla made His way to the stage, and took His seat.
Lovingly, Mowla welcomed the Mukhi and the Kamadia to join Him which they did.
Mowla’s face was full of light and love as the verses of Ya Aly Khub majlas was being recited. He even nodded “Yes” as the verse “Shah Sultan Shah ke mukh me se nikla, Shah Karim Shah aaj.....”
After giving dua ashish to the reciters, Mowla rose to address the Jamat, and in one voice, the whole Jamat recited salwat.
As Mowla came to the microphone, it appeared as if the mikes were not working, so ever so lovingly as a parent caters to children, Mowla walked over to the mikes that the jamati members had just recited from, and tries to adjust them to bring them closer to Him. (but these mikes were not adjustable!) Both Mowla and the Jamat laughed. Mowla then walked back to His original mikes, and a young volunteer started to come closer to the stage, and Mowla says “This is the one not working” pointing to the small mike in the middle.
No one touched anything, and the microphones were now fine, and Mowla began His Golden Jubilee Farman.
PostPosted: 30 May 2008 11:27 am Post subject: Dhaka testimony
forwarded as received:
Arrived at Dhaka airport in the afternoon, after missing the air india flight and - (our plane parked next to Mowla’s plane and then when we entered the airport runway were greeted with the most gracious welcome the Golden Jubilee Banner at the aiport)
Right there and then, all the worries seemed to go out the window and just wanted to go to khane to say shukhar.
Mowla had already landed, and we rushed to the hotel, and went to khane, only to find out that dua was recited at 6:00, and we were in time for the dinner and dandia.
The Ismaili band had come especially for this Darbar from Pakistan. They played the best music ever. Jamat was in the most joyous mood I had ever seen.
There was an announcement in khane that Jamat was welcomed to line outside the next day, on the roads, where the canopies were set up, to welcome Mowla’s car for the opening of the Academy. Jamat was asked to be seated and were given Dhaka flags and My Flags.
At approximately 10:45 a.m., the motor entourage came in with the policemen on the motorbikes, followed by Mowla’s car. Mowla smiled and waved at the Jamat, but the car seemed to have gone too fast.
The Jamat was given snack pack of apple, crisps and abundant supply of water for the next 2 hours as the Jamat was eagerly waiting for the return of Mowla’s car. The moment arrived, and this time, Mowla’s car drove ever so slowly. Everyone that I talked to said they saw Mowla’s wave. Again shukhar for wave didar.
Went to khane in the evening, had dinner with the Jamat and there was a concert by Kamal Taj.
It was quite a unique experience seeing the jamati members from different parts of the world, all gathered under one huge canopy, enjoying and living Mowla’s historical milestones of the last 50 years.
Fresh sugar cane juice was being served to the Jamat.
Didn’t stay for dandia this time -- wanted to go to morning khane.
Also, there was an announcement in khane that the Jamat was welcome to come back to khane the next day, and gather in the canopies, for a similar motor welcome, as Mowla was coming back to the Bashundara complex for the foundation ceremony of the Ismaili Centre. Each head of the local jamati member was given one invitation card to be present during the ceremony and the rest of the family members were asked to be outside with the international jamat in the compound.
Sharply at 3:00, the motorcade drove into the complex, and Mowla waved at the eagerly waiting jamat. This time there were no flags given to the jamati members.
Again a second wave didar when Mowla left the complex. Shukar!
Evening Jamat khane was held at the Bashundara complex and there were no activities this evening, as the Golden Jubilee Darbar was going to be held the next day.
Baitul khayal khane was filled to the brim, and the jamati members started lining up at 6:00 a.m.
As usual security line-ups were bottlenecked.
Government Policemen were in charge of the scanners and the police women were checking the ladies hand bags.
Volunteers were told to be on duty by 4:30 a.m, and then everyone was whisked out at around 6:15 a.m only to go back inside for the duty after going thru the security check.
This is where most of the jamat was getting anxious, as were the volunteers who had not finished set ups, and vacuuming.
All in all, once the lines started moving, jamat settled in quickly.
The Darbar hall, was the most serene hall I had ever been too. Compared to the Darbar hall in Mumbai, Dhaka darbar hall was small. Even though I really liked the golden and white canopy of the Mumbai Darbar hall, the Dhaka Darbar hall was unique. There was something magical about the lights.
Mowla’s expected arrival time was around 11:00 a.m., and volunteers were asked to be seated and partake in the intezar program for the last 40 minutes, but Mowla came in early!
As the last item of the intezar program was the recital of the Quran ayat, it was announced that Mowla was 7 minutes away from the Darbar Hall. Volunteers were asked to take their seats wherever they were, and Mowla’s car entered the complex.
Jamat started reciting salwat, and then when Mowla entered the lounge, the jamat was asked to be in the “personal-silent intezar mode”, which I have now come to appreciate.
but then, jamat was asked to recite Ya aly khub majalas ginan that was going to be receited in front of Mowla, which the jamat eagerly did. Some seniors who were in the wheel chairs were being transferred to be near the entrance of the lounge, and within a few minutes, there was a silence and a divine wave of light entered the Darbar Hall. Salwats were recited with love and tears in everyone’s eyes as Mowla loving entered the darbar hall. Mowla walked ever so slowly, lovingly saying Khanavadan to each side of the runners.
There were no huge LCD’s only small screens, as Mowla could be seen from every where.
Slowly and ever so graciously Mowla made His way to the stage, and took His seat.
Lovingly, Mowla welcomed the Mukhi and the Kamadia to join Him which they did.
Mowla’s face was full of light and love as the verses of Ya Aly Khub majlas was being recited. He even nodded “Yes” as the verse “Shah Sultan Shah ke mukh me se nikla, Shah Karim Shah aaj.....”
After giving dua ashish to the reciters, Mowla rose to address the Jamat, and in one voice, the whole Jamat recited salwat.
As Mowla came to the microphone, it appeared as if the mikes were not working, so ever so lovingly as a parent caters to children, Mowla walked over to the mikes that the jamati members had just recited from, and tries to adjust them to bring them closer to Him. (but these mikes were not adjustable!) Both Mowla and the Jamat laughed. Mowla then walked back to His original mikes, and a young volunteer started to come closer to the stage, and Mowla says “This is the one not working” pointing to the small mike in the middle.
No one touched anything, and the microphones were now fine, and Mowla began His Golden Jubilee Farman.