DHAKA, Feb 5, 2025 (BSS)- The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) expressed 
profound shock and sorrow at the demise of Aga Khan IV, who as the leader of 
the world's Ismaili Muslims fused entrepreneurship and philanthropy in 
becoming one of the world's wealthiest hereditary rulers.

"His Highness Mawlana Shah Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan IV died on Tuesday in 
Lisbon at the age of 88," a press release said here today.

Aga Khan, a visionary leader whose contributions to education, healthcare, 
poverty alleviation, cultural preservation and sports have left a lasting 
legacy.

He played a significant role in the development of football in the region 
through the prestigious Aga Khan Gold Cup, which was one of Asia's earliest 
international club tournaments. 

Established in the 1950s in Dhaka, the tournament brought together top teams 
from across the continent, helping to elevate the standard of football in 
Bangladesh and beyond.

The Aga Khan Gold Cup served as an inspiration for the establishment of club 
football competitions in Asia, paving the way for the modern AFC Club 
tournaments. It remains a cherished part of Bangladesh's football history, 
symbolizing a golden era of the sport.

The BFF president Tabith Awal, along with its senior vice-president, vice 
presidents, executive committee members, general secretaries of all standing 
committees and officials and staff expressed their deepest condolences at the 
demise of Shah Karim Al Hussaini.