The government has officially published the Mosque Management Policy 2025, introducing a comprehensive framework that includes structured pay scales, recruitment regulations, and service benefits for mosque employees across the country.
This landmark policy, released via a special issue of the Bangladesh Gazette, was developed by a Ministry of Religious Affairs committee following extensive consultations with prominent Islamic scholars and representatives from imam and khatib organizations.
Under the new regulations, mosque staff will now be compensated according to a grade-based salary structure.
Senior Pesh Imams have been assigned to Grade 5, while Pesh Imams and Imams fall under Grade 6 and Grade 9, respectively.
Support staff will also see standardized pay, with Chief Muezzins in Grade 10, Muezzins in Grade 11, Chief Khadems in Grade 15, and Khadems in Grade 16.
However, the policy clarifies that remuneration for khatibs will be determined through individual contract terms.
Furthermore, mosques that are financially insolvent or those that only host five-time daily prayers are advised to determine salaries based on their specific financial capacity.
The policy introduces significant welfare measures and leave entitlements to ensure the well-being of mosque staff. Employees are granted 20 days of casual leave per year and one day of earned leave for every 12 days of service.
Additionally, they are entitled to a maximum of four weekly holidays per month, subject to committee approval.
Mosque management committees are encouraged to provide family accommodation where possible and implement a monthly savings scheme for the future security of staff.
A one-time honorarium will be provided to employees upon the completion of their service.
To ensure transparency, the policy mandates that all staff be hired through a seven-member selection committee, strictly prohibiting direct appointments without a formal recommendation.
All appointment letters must clearly define the employee’s salary, duties, and service conditions.
The policy also expands the size of mosque management committees to 15 members, with flexibility for adjustment based on the mosque’s size, location, and income.
New roles for security guards and cleaners have been created, and committees are now instructed to provide separate prayer spaces for women in adherence to Shariah principles.
To address grievances, employees may file an appeal regarding service-related disputes within 30 days to the relevant Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) or the city corporation’s regional executive officer.
Any complexities arising during the implementation of these new rules will be mediated by a three-member committee led by the Deputy Commissioner.
