Dhaka: Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today announced that the government's ongoing initiatives are set to make the country's Zakat system more trustworthy and dynamic. "The overall Zakat system will become more trustworthy and dynamic once the initiatives planned by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the steps taken by the present government are implemented," he stated while responding to a starred question from opposition lawmaker Md Ruhul Amin (Chuadanga-2) in the House.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Government Zakat Fund Department has been operating under the management of the Islamic Foundation, under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, since 1982 to collect Zakat and distribute it among eligible recipients. The government enacted the Zakat Act in 2023 to further enhance this system. Zakat collection and distribution in Bangladesh also occur through madrassas, maktabs, orphanages, and numerous private organizations, which use these funds to support education and other needs of millions of poor students.
The Finance Minister highlighted that around 80,000 Qawmi madrasas collect Zakat, contributing significantly to providing literacy, moral education, and character-building opportunities to children from impoverished backgrounds. He noted that affluent individuals are also participating by paying Zakat and contributing to poverty alleviation. Many private organizations work with Zakat funds, providing financial assistance and rehabilitation support to their members.
Traditionally, Zakat, like services for Hajj pilgrims and mosque construction, has been managed through private initiatives. The government now treats the Zakat collection system as a coordinated force to benefit the Ulama community, given that Zakat remains a significant funding source for madrassas and orphanages.
The Finance Minister emphasized that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is personally interested in enhancing the country's Zakat system. The Prime Minister's Office has formed a high-powered committee working on improvements based on input from the Islamic Foundation and leading Islamic scholars. Efforts are underway to establish a Zakat Board and reform, modernize, and accelerate the activities of the Zakat Department nationwide. The committee's recommendations are being implemented in phases.
Furthermore, the government has initiated measures to facilitate Zakat collection from both domestic and foreign sources. With cooperation from the NBR, a system is in place that allows receipts for Zakat paid to the 'Government Zakat Fund' to be attached to tax returns for tax rebates.