Dhaka: Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain emphasized the crucial role of Zakat in alleviating poverty during the inauguration of the 13th Zakat Fair-2025. The event, organized by the Centre for Zakat Management (CZM), took place at a convention center in the city’s Gulshan area.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Khalid Hossain highlighted that poverty exacerbates crime by corrupting human nature, and stressed that Zakat is an indispensable tool for addressing these societal issues. He noted that the legacy of British rule has led to a lax approach toward Zakat collection in the country, with many individuals considering it arbitrary.
Dr. Hossain commended CZM’s efforts in collecting and distributing Zakat to combat poverty. He emphasized the potential impact of Zakat, stating that approximately one lakh crore taka could be collected annually in Bangladesh. He believes that motivating people to give Zakat could eliminate begging and significantly reduce crimes such as theft, robbery, and drug trafficking within a decade.
He also called upon affluent Muslims to fulfill their obligation by paying Zakat. The event featured speeches from notable figures, including Islamic Foundation director Dr. Mohammad Harunur Rashid, Hajj Finance Company Limited Sharia Supervisory Committee chairman M Mohammad Farid Uddin, and National University Professor Dr. Mohammad Manzeru Ilahi, with Dr. Md Shamsul Alam, vice chancellor of Islamic Arabic University, presiding over the event.
Chattogram University Arabic Department Professor Dr. AKM Abdul Kader presented the key paper during the program.