Institutional payment of Zakat emphasised

A total of Tk 250 billion of Zakat could have been collected if it were collected mandatorily. This big amount could be utilized in the poverty alleviation programs supporting to the government initiatives.

Speakers opined so in the concluding session of the Second Zakat Fair 2014 at Dhaka that ended on Saturday. The fair emphasized on institutional payment of Zakat to ensure its proper utilization.

'The impact of institutionally paid Zakat, rather than individually paid, is reflected in the total development of the society, said by the speakers in the seminars organized in the last day of the fair. Zakat ensures social safety-net and reduces the gap between the rich and the poor, the speakers added.

The fair was jointly organised by Center for Zakat Management, Exim Bank, Society for Social & Technological Support (SSTS), Muslim Aid and Islamic Relief. Shah Abdul Hannan, former NBR Chairman was the chief guest in the seminar titled 'Institutional Approach of Zakat Management to Poverty Alleviation' arranged in the last day of the fair. Dr. Mohammad Ayub Miah, CEO of CZM, Obaidur Rahman, Country Director of Muslim Aid, Shabel Firuz, Country Director of Islamic Relief, El Sawadafi Muhammad Al Feki, Directorate General of SSTS participated in the discussion which was presided over by former Secretary Dr. Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman.

A 'Zakat Fair Declaration' was announced by the organizers pledging to give Zakat an institutionalized shape and use as an effective tool for social welfare.

Chief Justice Muhammad Abdur Rouf was present as Chief Guest in the morning session titled 'Our Lost Treasures: Zakat & Awqaf'. The discussion session was presided over by Professor Dr. Shamsher Ali and the discussants were Dr. Mohammad Abdul Mazid, former NBR Chairman, Professor M Muzahidul Islam of Dhaka University and M Azizul Haque, consultant of AB Bank.

M A Mannan MP, state minister for Finance & Planning inaugurate the Zakat Fair on Friday morning.