Dhaka: Around 24.30 lakh students received textbooks as part of the Mosque Based Child and Mass Education Project on the first day of the new year. Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain inaugurated the Textbook Distribution Programme-2026 at the Islamic Foundation auditorium in Agargaon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a total of 34.36 lakh textbooks were distributed nationwide under the Mosque Based Child and Mass Education Project (8th Phase) to foster the development of ethics and religious values. Special assistants to Chief Adviser Professor Ali Riaz, Monir Haider, and religious affairs secretary M Kamal Uddin attended the event as special guests, with Islamic Foundation Director General Abdus Salam Khan presiding.
Dr. Khalid Hossain emphasized the thorough efforts by the religious affairs ministry officials in getting the project approved, noting that it involved navigating various bureaucratic procedures. He also announced plans to transition the project into the revenue sector.
Highlighting initiatives for the benefit of Islamic scholars, Dr. Khalid Hossain stated that post-doctoral scholarships will be available through the Islamic Foundation for Imams and scholars with postgraduate degrees in Islamic affairs. These scholarships will enable studies at renowned universities worldwide, with the government arranging necessary financial support.
Additionally, the adviser mentioned a central reception for Islamic scholars who have significantly contributed to the welfare of Islam in the country. A demi-official letter has been sent to four ministries to introduce a Master's degree course in Islamic Studies and Arabic under Qawmi Madrasa, with revised rules allowing marriage register licenses for master's degree holders.
Discussions with the Chief Adviser have been successful regarding the employment of master's degree holders in various roles within the Ministry of Defense. The religious affairs adviser assured that recruitment and promotion would be conducted with utmost transparency and adherence to regulations, with no tolerance for nepotism or corruption.
The project aims to provide education on religious values, ethics, and the Quran to more than 145 lakh pre-primary students in phases.