Imams, muazzins and khatibs to get government allowance: State Minister for Information
State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mr. Yasser Khan Chowdhury said the government will bring all imams, muazzins and khatibs of mosques across the country under a government allowance step by step. He said the program has already started on a trial basis in a few mosques. After the pilot project ends, the government will prepare a list and extend the allowance to all mosques in phases.
He spoke on Saturday as chief guest on the last day of a three day annual Waz Mahfil. Khankaye Hussainia Madania organised the event at Chourasta in Aranyapasha of Nandail Upazila in Mymensingh. The state minister said Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman has launched a program to give government allowance to the imams, muazzins and khatibs of mosques in every area of the country.
The minister said the pilot project has already begun in a few mosques. He said the government will bring mosques across the country under the program step by step after it completes the project and learns from the experience. He added that the government took this step because it values the social and religious contribution of people linked to religious institutions.
Criticising the previous government, Mr. Yasser Khan Chowdhury said the authorities did not allow Waz Mahfils in the country for the last 17 years, yet they allowed jatra shows. He said people must give proper importance to religious values and social culture. He also said one party spoke of selling tickets to heaven during the election. That party told people they would go to heaven if they voted for a particular symbol, and he urged everyone to stay away from such misleading campaigns.
On the trials over Shapla Chattar and the July killings, the state minister said nobody should shelter those involved in these incidents. He said the government does not want to be harsh on anyone who does not create a big problem. He also urged everyone to refrain from any attempt to worsen the law and order situation.
Speaking about the development of Nandail, he said the authorities are carrying out the necessary work in the area by following the rules. He said this development work will continue in the future.
Earlier, the state minister laid the foundation stone of a road from Kalenga Bazar to Bahadurpur New Bazar in Moazzempur Union of the upazila. He said better communication plays an important role in improving the rural economy, trade and people’s living standards. He said the government is moving ahead with development work by considering the needs of local people.
On the same day, the state minister gave corrugated iron sheets to 66 families in Nandail who suffered losses from natural disasters and fires. He said the government will continue its support to ease the hardship of the affected families.
At the Mahfil, Mr. Yasser Khan Chowdhury thanked the worshippers who joined the event. He also thanked Pir Hazrat Maulana Abdul Quddus of the host organisation. He promised help for the overall improvement of the Mahfil next year.
After the discussion, Maulana Abdul Quddus led the final Munajat, a prayer for the wellbeing of the country, the nation and the Muslim Ummah. The state minister also joined the prayer.
