PATUAKHALI: The government has announced plans to establish a standardized salary scale for imams and muezzins, aiming to enhance their livelihoods and enable them to fulfill their roles with greater dedication, Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain, Adviser to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, stated today. A formal gazette is expected to be released following the approval from the Chief Adviser, which will outline the new salary structure.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Khalid Hossain addressed a meeting with educators involved in mosque-based child and mass education programs, as well as khatibs, imams, and muezzins at the Patuakhali Islamic Foundation auditorium. He emphasized the esteemed societal position of imams and muezzins but noted their historical financial neglect. Despite adequate funds within mosque-madrasa reserves, these religious leaders often do not receive sufficient compensation to sustain their livelihoods.
Dr. Hossain highlighted the efforts by the Ministry of Religious Affairs to implement a unified salary structure that aligns with the 2015 salary scale. This initiative aims to rectify the disparity and provide the necessary financial support to these community leaders.
Addressing concerns about minority issues in Bangladesh, Dr. Hossain stated that attacks on minority communities have been politically motivated rather than driven by religious extremism. The meeting also featured remarks from Deputy Commissioner Abu Hasnat Mohammad Arefin, Islamic Foundation Board Governor Syed Mohammad Masaddek Billah Al Madani, and Maulana Shah Md Nesarrul Haque, with DD of Islamic Foundation Asma Akther presiding over the session.