Dhaka, Mar 10 (V7N) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed officials to explore ways to make zakat management in Bangladesh more effective and organized. The directive came during a meeting held at the Cabinet Division on Monday, according to a report by Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony said the meeting discussed how poverty alleviation could be accelerated through a structured zakat management system. It was also decided that the Zakat Board would be restructured.

A committee has been recommended to examine the issue, to be led by Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, Minister for Religious Affairs. Other proposed members include Mufti Abdul Malek, khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, and Shaikh Ahmadullah, chairman of the As-Sunnah Foundation, along with several Islamic economists and prominent scholars.

The committee will prepare recommendations on improving zakat management and restructuring the Zakat Board and submit them to the prime minister. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has been asked to propose the full list of committee members within ten days.

Earlier, on March 7, at an iftar program for scholars and orphans, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said that proper zakat management could significantly reduce poverty in Bangladesh within the next 10 to 15 years. The meeting on Monday was held in continuation of that initiative.

END/SMA/AJ