Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said poverty could be significantly reduced within 10 to 15 years through a well-planned zakat distribution system.
He made the remarks while addressing an iftar hosted in honour of orphan children and Islamic scholars at the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday evening.
The prime minister said Islamic teachings encourage zakat to be distributed in a way that a recipient does not need to seek zakat again the following year. Experts believe that if zakat is distributed in a planned and systematic manner, it can play a revolutionary role in eliminating poverty, he said.
Considering this, the government has taken steps to make zakat management more effective and goal-oriented.
Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh has about four crore families, including both rich and poor.
“If we identify poor and extremely poor families among them and provide Tk1,00,000 in zakat each year to 5,00,000 families on a rotational basis, many of these families may no longer need zakat the following year,” he said.
He said various research reports suggest the amount of zakat in Bangladesh exceeds Tk20,000 crore to Tk25,000 crore every year, while some estimates indicate even higher amounts.
Addressing Islamic scholars, the prime minister said they could play an important role in raising awareness among wealthy people if they consider this concept of zakat management for poverty alleviation reasonable.
To achieve poverty reduction through zakat, he said the existing Zakat Board under the Religious Affairs Ministry could be restructured by involving leading ulama, Islamic scholars, government officials and other stakeholders.
He said Bangladesh has the opportunity to present itself as a model in the Islamic world by effectively using zakat as a tool for poverty alleviation.
Tarique Rahman said the holy month of Ramadan is a time of sacrifice, restraint, mercy, blessings and self-discipline.
However, he said it is unfortunate that some people increase the prices of essential commodities during Ramadan, turning the month into a time of greed and profit.
He urged those involved in dishonest practices not to cause suffering for people during the sacred month.
The prime minister said iftar gatherings were usually arranged almost every day during previous Ramadans for people from different walks of life.
He said an iftar in honour of ulama, mashayekh and orphans is generally organised on the first day of Ramadan.
“However, due to the current circumstances of the country, we arranged this iftar with you a little later this time,” he said.
Considering the global situation and the need to reduce expenditure and practise austerity in sectors such as gas, electricity and fuel, only two iftar gatherings were organised this Ramadan, including those held on Friday and Saturday, he added.
Among others present were Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain Kaikobad, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain, State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam and Jatiya Sangsad Whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu.
As-Sunnah Foundation Chairman Shaykh Ahmadullah and Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Khatib Mufti Abdul Malek also attended the event.
Prime Minister Adviser Brigadier General Retd Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Prime Minister Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Press Secretary Saleh Shibli and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were also present at the iftar.
