Dhaka:Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad) called on imams to engage more actively in promoting public awareness against social evils such as drugs, bribery, corruption, extortion, and adultery through their Friday sermons.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized the critical role imams can play alongside law enforcement in combating social injustices and immoral practices during his address at the national imam conference, held at the Islamic Foundation auditorium in Agargaon. The event was organized as part of the "Bangladesh Jatiya Imam Samity's Triennial Council."
Minister Kaikobad highlighted the trust and confidence people place in imams and urged them to use their platform to advocate for moral values and enhance social awareness. He also outlined the government's plans to improve the financial security and social status of religious service providers. This includes fulfilling Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's pre-election pledges to provide honorariums to imams, muezzins, and other religious figures, a process that has already begun.
The minister announced that Taka 1,100 crore has been allocated for the development sector of the Ministry of Religious Affairs for the 2026-27 fiscal year. He stated that religious leaders serving at 347,339 institutions nationwide would be included in a government honorarium framework over the next four years.
Additionally, Minister Kaikobad reflected on the historical support provided by imams and Islamic scholars during past administrations, specifically mentioning their role in the 'Yes/No Referendum' under the BNP's rule. He noted that a welfare fund for imams and muezzins, initiated by former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, has grown from Taka two crore in 1994 to nearly Taka 100 crore.
The conference was presided over by Maulana Kazi Abu Huraira, President of Bangladesh Jatiya Imam Samity. Notable attendees included Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Religious Affairs Rafiqul Islam Jamal, Daily Inqilab Editor AMM Bahauddin, BNP Chairperson's Adviser on Middle East affairs Dr Enamul Haque Chowdhury, Mufti Abul Hasan, MP from Sylhet-5 constituency, and Director General of the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh Mufti Muhammad Habibullah Baki Nadvi.