Prince Karim Aga Khan called on Chief Adviser Dr
Fakhruddin Ahmed at the latter’s office in the city
yesterday. PID photo
The New Nation: Visiting Imam of Shia Ismailia Muslims Prince Karim Aga Khan yesterday offered his community’s services to build bridge between Bangladesh and Central Asian countries where they have presence for promoting socioeconomic relations.
He further expressed his interest in investing in Bangladesh in various socioeconomic sectors, including financial services, education, and health.
The Ismailia spiritual leader, who arrived here earlier in the day for a four-day visit to Bangladesh, made the remarks when he called on Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at the CA’s office in the afternoon and discussed various socioeconomic maters.
Before formal meeting, the Chief Adviser and the Prince had a one-to-one parley for a while at the CA’s office.
Responding to Aga Khan, Dr Fakhruddin said Bangladesh would definitely try to take advantage of the support of the Aga Khan community in expanding trade and investment opportunities in the Central Asian countries.
The Prince, who last came to Bangladesh in 1993, said they basically focused on standard education in primary and secondary levels and try to harness talents of students to make them best educated and skilled.
In this regard, he mentioned the setting up of an educational academy in Dhaka which would be centre of excellence in education where meritorious poor students will also have access.
Listing a number of promising sectors for investment, like banking, telecommunications and agro-processing industries, the Chief Adviser said the members of Aga Khan Community could take advantage of investment in these areas.
He also made a request for establishing hospital in Bangladesh as it has tremendous prospects and huge number of patients.
Responding positively, the Prince said they have set up world-class health centres in Kabul, Karachi and Kajakistan.
The Chief Adviser appreciated various socioeconomic activities in Bangladesh by Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
During the meeting the Chief Adviser requested revival of the once-popular Aga Khan Gold Cup Football Tournament in Dhaka. Prince Karim Aga Khan responded positively.
The prince said they have investment in health service, education, leather, financial service, microfinance, industry, rural development and rural energy industry.
CA’s Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim, who was present at the meeting, briefed newsmen about the outcome of the talks.
Director of Diplomatic Affairs Shafik Sachedina and Habib Hirji, president Aga Khan Council for Bangladesh, were present on the Prince side while Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Principal Secretary to the CA Ali Imam Majumder and Secretary to CA’s office Kazi Aminul Islam were on CA’s side.
Ismailimail 
Another feather in the cap of This Great Man
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