Dhaka, Nov 23 (V7N) — BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has announced that the party plans to introduce a monthly state-funded honorarium for financially disadvantaged imams, khatibs and muezzins, recognizing their role in social reform and community guidance.

He made the remarks while addressing the National Imam and Khatib Conference at the China-Maitree Conference Center on Monday afternoon.

Tarique Rahman said that if BNP forms the next government, the initiative will be implemented in phases, with a focus on supporting religious leaders facing financial hardship. The party also intends to strengthen the Imam-Muezzin Welfare Trust and launch broader programs aimed at making them economically self-reliant.

“It is not possible to build a welfare state by keeping millions of imams, khatibs and muezzins outside state activities,” he said, calling on religious leaders for their prayers and support in the upcoming election to build a nation “based on justice.”

Referring to the Shapla Chattar incident, he alleged that an operation was carried out “like an invasion force,” adding that BNP had organized nationwide protests, including hartals, in support of Hefazat-e-Islam at that time.

At the same event, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said that if BNP assumes office, no law would be enacted against the Qur’an and Sunnah, and full trust and faith in Allah would be reinstated among the basic principles of the constitution.

END/SMA/AJ