Khulna: Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A. F. M. Khalid Hossain today urged imams (Muslim Scholars) to address social issues in light of Islamic teachings during sermons (Khutba) of Jumma prayers. He emphasized the importance of using these platforms to foster communal harmony and tackle challenges like terrorism, corruption, drugs, dowry, and violence against women.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Khalid Hossain announced that a mosque management policy would soon be published in the official gazette, which aims to ensure job security and a fixed monthly salary for imams, muezzins, and caretakers. Last year, the government provided nearly Tk 4 crore in financial assistance to these mosque officials. The announcement was made while inaugurating the Khulna City Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Center, alongside a divisional imam conference held at the mosque in Nur Nagar.
The adviser also revealed that out of 564 model mosques planned across the nation, 350 have been completed, with the remainder under construction. These mosques are set to enhance communal harmony and unity within society. He highlighted the role of mosques in preventing violence against women and children and creating a brotherly atmosphere, noting that increased establishment of mosques would lead to more worshippers, helping to reduce immoral and harmful behavior.
Further plans include offering Qur'an and Hadith education to inmates through Islamic scholars, along with mosque-based programs for children's and mass education. Dr. Khalid Hossain urged local administrations to ensure proper implementation of these initiatives.
Khulna Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam presided over the event, which featured several distinguished speakers, including Divisional Commissioner Md. Firoz Sarker and Director General of the Islamic Foundation Abdul Salam Khan. The event concluded with the distribution of cheques worth Tk 1.14 lakh from the Zakat Fund to 14 underprivileged individuals.
The newly constructed Khulna City Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Center cost approximately Tk 17 crore and includes various facilities such as separate ablution and prayer spaces, imam training facilities, and an Islamic research center, among others.