Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad told Parliament on Monday that the government is implementing various programmes to raise awareness among the youth to prevent religious extremism, misinformation, and social division.
The minister shared this information during a National Parliament session chaired by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal.
He was responding to a query from independent Member of Parliament (MP) Rumin Farhana regarding government initiatives for youth in Sarail-Ashuganj and parts of Bijoynagar sub-districts under Brahmanbaria-2 constituency.
Kaikobad said the government’s objective is to maintain social peace, harmony, and non-communal spirit. To achieve this, Islamic Foundation is implementing multi-faceted awareness programmes in the concerned areas.
Local model mosques and islamic cultural centres are being utilised as the primary bases for these activities, aiming to inspire the youth with the true message of peace in Islam, tolerance, and moral values.
To build anti-extremism awareness, the government has engaged local Alems, Ulama, Imams, and Khatibs. These leaders are highlighting harmful effects of religious misinterpretation, extremism, rumours, and social division through Friday Khutbas, regular religious seminars, discussion meetings, and harmony rallies.
The minister further added that these efforts are not limited to the Muslim community. Inter-faith dialogues and harmony meetings involving leaders from various religions are being organised to strengthen mutual respect and social cohesion.
In addition to these measures, different religious welfare trusts are conducting their own awareness activities.
Hindu Religious Welfare Trust is providing training to priests and sebayets on social harmony and preventing extremism. Meanwhile, Christian Religious Welfare Trust is implementing workshops for students and youth focused on ethics, social responsibility, and harmony.
Looking ahead, the minister mentioned plans to expand these activities with the cooperation of local MPs. He also announced that the Ministry of Religious Affairs has initiated a project titled “Increasing Religious Harmony and Awareness” to further strengthen these efforts across the country.
In response to another question from treasury bench MP Khairul Kabir Khokon, the minister informed the House that, in line with the government’s election manifesto, a process is underway to bring Imams, Muazzins, Khadems, priests, sebayets, and Buddhist religious leaders under ongoing support programmes.
To date, honourariums have already been distributed to 13,949 individuals.
