The government has formed a 12-member high-level committee to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of donation funds at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) in Sylhet.
The committee, headed by Commerce, Industry, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, has been tasked with preparing a modern and transparent financial management framework for the shrine within one month.
The decision was taken at a meeting held at the Sylhet Circuit House on 26 June following recent controversy over the locking of donation boxes at the shrine.
According to the decision, the new framework will focus on ensuring transparent management of donations, securing consensus among all stakeholders and establishing a sustainable system to prevent future disputes.
Until the new mechanism is finalised, the existing committee will continue counting donations from the shrine’s collection boxes under the current rules. The money will continue to be deposited into the shrine’s existing bank accounts.
The committee comprises representatives from the government, local administration and the shrine authorities.
Besides the minister as chairman, the Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet will serve as member secretary. Other members include the Chairman of the Sylhet Development Authority, the Administrator of Sylhet City Corporation, the Divisional Commissioner, the Commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police, the Administrator of the Sylhet District Council, two representatives from the shrine’s Mutawalli family and two representatives from the shrine’s madrasa and mosque.
Speaking after the meeting, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said all stakeholders had agreed on the need for a transparent financial management system for the shrine.
He said the government did not want to dwell on past controversies but intended to move forward through a collaborative and effective process involving all concerned.
