Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said that effective poverty reduction could be achieved within 10 to 15 years through a well-planned and systematic distribution of Zakat.
He made the remarks while addressing an Iftar mahfil hosted in honour of orphan children and Islamic scholars (Ulama-Mashaikh) at the State Guest House Jamuna in the capital this evening.
The Prime Minister said Islamic teachings encourage Zakat to be distributed in a way that a recipient does not need to receive it again the following year.
He noted that experts believe a planned Zakat system could play a revolutionary role in eliminating poverty. In view of this, the government has taken initiatives to make Zakat management more effective and goal-oriented.
Tarique Rahman said there are currently around four crore families in the country. If poor and extremely poor families are properly identified and 500,000 families receive Tk 100,000 in Zakat each year on a rotational basis, many of them may become financially self-reliant and may not need assistance the following year.
According to various research reports, the annual Zakat amount in Bangladesh exceeds Tk 20,000–25,000 crore, while some estimates suggest even higher figures.
Addressing Islamic scholars, the Prime Minister urged them to raise awareness among wealthy people if they consider the Zakat management concept reasonable.
He also suggested restructuring the existing Zakat Board under the Ministry of Religious Affairs by involving leading Ulama, Islamic scholars, government officials and other stakeholders to ensure better management.
The Prime Minister said Bangladesh could set an example for the Islamic world by effectively using Zakat as a tool for poverty alleviation.
Referring to Ramadan, he described the holy month as a time of sacrifice, restraint, mercy and self-discipline. However, he expressed concern that some people increase the prices of essential commodities during this sacred period.
He urged traders not to engage in dishonest practices that cause hardship for people during Ramadan.
Tarique Rahman said that traditionally Iftar gatherings are arranged almost every day in Ramadan for people from different walks of life, including Ulama, Mashayekh and orphan children. However, due to the current national situation and the need to reduce expenditure on gas, electricity and fuel amid global conditions, only two Iftar gatherings were arranged this year.
Among others, Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad), Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain, State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, Jatiya Sangsad Whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu, As-Sunnah Foundation Chairman Shaykh Ahmadullah and Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Khatib Mufti Abdul Malek attended the event.
Prime Minister’s Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Press Secretary Saleh Shibly and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were also present.
