Government will work to encourage Quran learning and practice: President

President Mr. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the government will work to encourage Quran learning and practice. He also said it will honour the Hafezes and students who bring pride to the country at the international level. He said this yesterday at noon at Bangabhaban, during a courtesy meeting with the Bangladeshi winners of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Holy Quran Competition.

The President said it is a matter of great pride and joy for the nation that Bangladeshi contestants did so well. They competed with participants from 133 countries of the world. He warmly congratulated the winning contestants, their teachers and Ustads, their guardians and everyone at the related educational institutions.

He recalled the many steps taken by Shaheed President Mr. Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Ms. Begum Khaleda Zia. Those steps helped keep religious practice and religious institutions active and strong. He said the present government is also committed to spreading religious education and giving Hafezes and Alems the respect they deserve.

During the meeting, the winners, their guardians and their teachers thanked the President for inviting them to Bangabhaban. They said people will feel more encouraged to learn the Quran and religious education if bright students, Hafezes and Alems of madrasas, maktabs and other religious institutions are honoured. They also demanded proper respect and dignity for the Hafezes who bring glory to the country in the international arena.

The President said the people of Bangladesh are religious, and most of them are Muslim. He said the people of this country have made many sacrifices in the past to protect their religious values. He said Bangladesh has begun a new journey after many changes, and the government will work with priority to spread religious education and improve its quality.

The winners were led by Maulana Mr. Md. Billal Hossain, Chairman of Quran Shikkha Mission, Bangladesh. Mr. Hafez Mohammad Zakaria of Ar Rayhan International Madrasa was present. He won first place in the 15 Para Hifz, Tajweed and beautiful recitation category. Ms. Hafeza Rabeta Binte Ramzan of Tanzimul Ummah Girls Hifz Madrasa was also present. She won third place in the same category.

Mr. Hafez Sheikh Md. Mahmudul Hasan (Ashrafi) of Markazul Madina Madrasa was also there. He is a visually impaired student who won third place in the 30 Para Hifz, Tajweed and beautiful recitation category. Ms. Hafeza Musfira Binte Mahmud of Saudah Binte Jam’ah R. International Girls Madrasa was present as well.

The guardians and Ustads of the winners, along with the directors of Quran Shikkha Mission, Bangladesh, attended the event. The President gave crests to the winning Hafezes. He also gave courtesy gifts to their family members and Ustads. The President’s Secretary and senior officials of Bangabhaban were present at that time.