Ali's second home

On 18 February 1978, Muhammad Ali came to Bangladesh along with his wife and a sizable entourage on a state-patronised five-day visit. Even though the 'greatest heavyweight boxer ever' was approaching the twilight of his career, and was fresh off a defeat to Leon Spinks, there was no lack of the charisma, wit or appeal, which had turned him into a global icon over the previous two decades. Revered as much for his sporting prowess as his unyielding fight for justice and equality, the then 36-year-old boxer was welcomed wholeheartedly by the people of Bangladesh. Accorded a grand welcome at the airport and a reception at the then Dhaka Stadium, Ali was awarded honorary citizenship of Bangladesh. He traversed most of Bangladesh during his visit-- from the Sundarbans to the tea plantations in Sylhet, the lakeside town of Rangamati to the seaside city of Cox's Bazar. Ali was so moved by the warmth and hospitality of the the Bangladeshi people that while leaving the country, he famously quipped: “If I get kicked out of America, I have another home.”