Dhaka: The interim government has announced the launch of a moral education program for inmates in 68 prisons across the nation, as revealed by Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain. The initiative aims to instill human values in approximately 70,000 jail inmates to aid their reintegration into society post-incarceration.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Hossain stated in an exclusive interview that the program is part of broader efforts by the ministry following the ouster of the Awami League regime in the July Uprising last year. The focus on religious education is seen as a foundation for moral development, a concept previously lacking in the prison system.
Dr. Hossain disclosed that 2,500 inmates have already received lessons from the Holy Quran in Keraniganj Prison. He emphasized the importance of religious education tailored to individual faiths and the potential of great men’s biographies in instilling ethics and values. The ministry plans to distribute more books and increase the number of teachers in prisons, currently supported by the Islamic Foundation.
The adviser highlighted ongoing programs in prisons, including the establishment of libraries and religious education, and plans to hand over a significant number of religious books to the Home Ministry soon. He stressed the interim government’s commitment to protecting prisoners’ human rights, acknowledging that not all inmates are criminals and that some are imprisoned under false charges.
Dr. Hossain shared his recent visits to central jails in Chattogram and Dhaka, where the ministry has been active in recovering waqf properties and supporting religious education in maktabs. Recent initiatives include appointing religious teachers, arranging prayers in wards, and distributing morality-based books and prayer mats.
In another development, Bangladesh has set a benchmark in Hajj management this year, with Dr. Hossain crediting the chief adviser’s cooperation and instructions. The Ministry of Religious Affairs successfully managed the pilgrimage for 87,100 Hajjis, who even received a refund of Taka 82 million after performing Hajj.
The ministry, free from political pressures, has also provided substantial financial support to the needy under the Zakat Fund, Imam Muazzin Welfare Trust, and through interest-free loans. Additionally, efforts are underway to improve lives in Haor areas and foster awareness about social issues through mosque sermons.
Dr. Hossain elaborated on financial assistance provided for renovating religious institutions across various faiths, including Hindu temples, pagodas, churches, and cemeteries. Over Tk 4.43 crore was allocated to improve living standards for the destitute, showcasing the ministry’s commitment to social development.
The ECNEC-approved Mosque-based Children and Mass Education Program aims to develop morality and religious values, offering education to over 1.46 crore students. The Religious Affairs Ministry has also created employment for 76,670 individuals and is working on automating services related to waqf estates.