Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed officials to explore ways to make Bangladesh’s zakat management system more effective and organized. The directive came during a meeting on zakat management held on Monday at the Cabinet Division, confirmed by Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony. The meeting discussed how efficient zakat management could contribute to poverty alleviation and decided to restructure the Zakat Board.

A proposal was made to form a committee led by Religious Affairs Minister Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad, including Baitul Mukarram Mosque’s Khatib Allama Mufti Abdul Malek, As Sunnah Foundation Chairman Shaykh Ahmadullah, and several Islamic economists and scholars. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will propose the full list of committee members within ten days. The committee will soon submit its recommendations to the Prime Minister regarding zakat management and board restructuring.

The meeting followed the Prime Minister’s remarks at an iftar event on March 7, where he emphasized that proper zakat management could play a vital role in eradicating poverty within 10 to 15 years.