Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said playing an effective role in poverty alleviation would be possible within 10 to 15 years solely through the Zakat system by ensuring well-planned Zakat distribution. He said this while addressing an Iftar mahfil hosted by him in honor of orphan children and Islamic scholars (Ulama-Mashaikh) at the state guest house Jamuna here this evening.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tarique Rahman emphasized Islamic teachings that encourage Zakat to be distributed in a manner that ensures a recipient does not require further assistance the following year. He highlighted expert opinions suggesting that systematic Zakat distribution could revolutionize poverty elimination.
The government, recognizing this potential, has devised plans to enhance the effectiveness and focus of Zakat management. Prime Minister Rahman noted that Bangladesh comprises approximately 4 crore families, both affluent and impoverished. By identifying the economically disadvantaged families and providing 100,000 taka in Zakat annually to 500,000 families on a rotational basis, he believes many could become self-sufficient after a year.
He revealed that research reports estimate the annual Zakat in Bangladesh to exceed Taka 20,000-25,000 crore, with some estimates even higher. Addressing Islamic scholars, Rahman urged them to play a crucial role in educating wealthy individuals about this Zakat management concept for poverty alleviation.
He proposed restructuring the existing Zakat Board under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, involving leading Ulama, Islamic scholars, government officials, and other stakeholders to achieve poverty alleviation. Rahman expressed that Bangladesh could set a precedent in the Islamic world by effectively utilizing Zakat as a poverty alleviation tool.
The Prime Minister also touched upon the sacred nature of the Ramadan month, emphasizing its themes of sacrifice, mercy, and self-discipline. However, he lamented the tendency of some individuals to exploit the month for profit by inflating prices of essential commodities.
Rahman reminisced about the traditional Iftar gatherings across different walks of life during Ramadan. He explained that due to current national circumstances and global issues, efforts were made to reduce expenses and practice austerity, resulting in only two Iftar gatherings this Ramadan.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad), Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain, and other notable figures. The Prime Minister's Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. A K M Shamsul Islam, Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Press Secretary Saleh Shibly, and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were also present at the Iftar party.