Bashir for building equitable society thru Islamic finance

FE REPORT

Commerce adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has said it is possible to build a discrimination-free society through Islamic finance that will help the poor become economically self-reliant gradually.

It will be a sustainable development model to help realise the vision of a New Bangladesh, according to him.

Citing a UNDP report that 41.7-million people of Bangladesh live under abject poverty, with 13-per cent people sleeping with starvation and 18.7 million having food insecurity, he says proper distribution of wealth and elimination of inequality from society are possible through proper distribution of zakat.

"After July revolution, people have a dream to see the country free from exploitation, discrimination and poverty, and build a just society. Zakat can play an important role in realising it," he told a seminar on Saturday.

The seminar styled 'Role of Islamic Social Finance in Economic Empowerment and Hunan Development' followed the launch of the 13th Zakat Fair with a theme 'Zakat for building a New Bangladesh'. The Centre for Zakat Management (CZM) has organised the fair at Aloki Community Centre at Tejgaon Link Road in the capital.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com