Dhaka: Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain Kaikobad today sought religious leaders or ‘ulemas’ help to generate awareness for proper processing and preservation of sacrificial animals’ rawhides in view of their crucial contribution to the country’s leather industry.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister addressed the ulemas during a discussion on rawhide preservation held at the Islamic Foundation auditorium at its head office in Agargaon. He emphasized the need to prevent the burial of hides due to traders’ inability to secure fair prices, a practice observed in the past. Kaikobad urged the ulemas to actively contribute to the efforts of the government, which plans to launch a campaign focused on proper flaying and preservation of cattle hides to maintain their industrial quality.
Kaikobad also warned of stringent government actions against hide syndicates and middlemen in cattle trading, expressing his readiness to make sacrifices to prevent any injustices. The ulemas in attendance called on the government to ensure fair pricing for hides, echoing the minister’s concerns.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to uphold the dignity of the ulemas, mentioning a directive from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for the proper treatment of madrasahs, which are typically managed by religious scholars. He highlighted the self-sufficiency of madrasahs in propagating Islam, asserting that divine support would sustain these seminaries.
Kaikobad urged the ulemas to unite as ‘custodians of society’ and recalled their support for the legitimacy of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman during the 1977 referendum, which facilitated the transition from military to civilian rule in Bangladesh. He expressed gratitude for the role of Qawmi madrasah ulemas in the Liberation War and democratic movements.
The minister noted that since independence, no head of government had considered honorarium allowances for imams and muezzins until Tarique Rahman initiated it. He assured that eventually, all individuals serving in mosques and other religious places across the country would receive this allowance.
Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad spoke as a special guest at the event, chaired by Islamic Foundation Director General A. Salam Khan. Other notable speakers included Islamic Foundation Secretary Sheikh Murshidul Islam, Director Dr. Muhammad Harunur Rashid, Muhaddis Dr. Waliur Rahman Khan, Muhaddis Hafez Mufti Jubayer Ahmad, and Muhtamim Hafez Maulana Sakhawat Hossain.