Imams Play a Leading Role in Maintaining Peace and Order in Society: Kaikobad
Religious Affairs Minister Qazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad announced that the government is committed to providing religious and social services while standing firmly beside the country’s imams and muezzins. Speaking as the chief guest at the Central Council and National Imam Conference organized by the Bangladesh National Imam Association at the Islamic Foundation auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Saturday, he highlighted that mosques and pulpits must serve as centres for social reform, moral practices, and human welfare, echoing the era of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He expressed confidence that Friday sermons remain the most effective medium to raise public awareness against drugs, hatred, and general social degradation.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister emphasised that imams command immense public trust and hold a crucial position in shaping society beyond leading daily prayers. He urged religious leaders to leverage this social credibility to maintain peace, prevent ill-intentioned activities, and foster national welfare. Stressing the responsibility of scholars to disseminate the teachings of the Sunnah using wise and tolerant language to avoid conflict, he noted, ‘Collaborative efforts between the government and imams will smooth the path toward social reform and public welfare.’ He assured that the ministry would carefully evaluate all recommendations presented by the imam community to strengthen unity and social development further.
Highlighting financial initiatives, the Minister stated that PM Tarique Rahman is dedicated to ensuring the social dignity and economic stability of religious workers. A total of BDT 1,100 crore has been allocated under the development sector of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in the 2026-2027 fiscal budget. Under this comprehensive plan, religious staff across 347,339 institutions nationwide will be gradually brought under an official honorarium structure over the next four years. Additionally, programs are underway to integrate imams directly into state development initiatives, including primary education, health awareness campaigns, and broader social protection frameworks across the country.
The Minister recalled former PM Begum Khaleda Zia’s 1994 allocation of BDT 2 crore for the welfare of imams and muezzins, requesting prayers for her departed soul as well as for PM Tarique Rahman. Special guest Alhaj A M M Bahauddin, Editor of the Daily Inqilab and President of Bangladesh Jamiatul Modarresin, affirmed that imams play a primary role in preserving social order. He remarked, ‘Their Friday discussions play a crucial role in rescuing society from the clutches of drugs, terrorism, and youth gangs, as millions of people reflect on these sermons every Friday to refine themselves into civilized citizens.’
The conference, chaired by Parliamentary Standing Committee Chairman Rafiqul Islam Jamal MP and welcomed by Association President Maulana Qazi Abu Horaira, featured several prominent political and religious figures. In his address, A M M Bahauddin recalled the historical ties between religious leaders and the state, noting that imams were instrumental in introducing late President Ziaur Rahman to the public. He added that PM Tarique Rahman is continuing his family’s legacy by establishing monthly honorariums for imams. Concluding the event, speakers prayed for national prosperity, peace, and the protection of government leadership, while expressing optimism for the newly elected leadership of the Bangladesh National Imam Association.
