Introduction

The Shia Ismaili Muslims are a community of ethnically and culturally diverse peoples living in over 25 countries around the world, united in their allegiance to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan (known to the Ismailis as Mawlana Hazar Imam) as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader), and direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).

Articles related to: Bangladesh

Economic opportunities in Bangladesh attract interest from the Jamat abroad

A busy street in Bangladesh’s capital city. Photo: Ayeleen Ajanee Saleh

Decades ago, Bangladesh was home to a thriving Jamat. Ismailis were active in key industries including jute, textiles, steel, aluminum, leather, construction, and food processing, as well as trading, banking, insurance and hotels. Today, the country is re-emerging as an area of economic interest to both the Jamat and the wider international community.

Mawlana Hazar Imam is joined by Bangladesh’s Honourable Adviser for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed, in unveiling the plaque marking the foundation of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre in Dhaka. Photo: Gary Otte

During his visit to Bangladesh between 19 – 22 May 2008, Mawlana Hazar Imam granted a Golden Jubilee Darbar to the Jamat in Dhaka. Hazar Imam also presided over the foundation of the Aga Khan Academy and the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre Dhaka.

Foundation ceremony of the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre Dhaka

Noman Nasrullah, the lead camp cordinator and Beenisha Enayatali, a participant and Master of Ceremonies for the campfire night, sharing a light moment. Photo: Salim Jivani

Society has high hopes for the youth given their potential to change the destiny of nations. The Prottasha (Bengali for "expectations") Youth Camp aimed to instill those aspirations in the youth of Bangladesh.

Golden Jubilee
Archive

Fifty years after he became the Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, the global Jamat commemorated Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Golden Jubilee with special events and activities around the world that took place between 11 July 2007 – 13 December 2008.

The Institute of
Ismaili Studies

Nutrition
Centre

Featuring a library of traditional recipes annotated with nutritional information and healthy eating tips, as well as articles on how you can make your meals healthier.

Aga Khan
Development Network

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Ismaili Centres
Around the World

The Ismaili Centres are symbolic markers of the permanent presence of the Ismaili community in the regions in which they are established.
Architecturally unique, each building is a safeguard and a symbol of the core values of the Ismaili Muslim community.