Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain has said that if alims become entrepreneurs, it will change the face of the country, accelerate national development, and bring prosperity to the state.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at the Qaumi Entrepreneur Conference held on Wednesday afternoon at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon, Dhaka.
The adviser said: "Efforts to create entrepreneurs will have a positive impact on our national life. Specifically, such initiatives by alims are even more commendable. Since they have a deep sense of piety, they will not adopt unethical practices in business. They will not adulterate products, and they will not cheat in weight or quantity. As a result, pure food products and authentic goods will be available in the market."
He further said that development requires initiative, and to take initiative, a favorable environment must be created.
Without such an environment, entrepreneurs cannot be made.
Both governmental and private sector efforts are necessary to nurture entrepreneurship, he added.
Highlighting the benefits of creating entrepreneurs, the adviser explained that the success of any entrepreneur first benefits the individual, followed by collective gains for society and the country.
"When entrepreneurs emerge, idle money is invested, which helps alleviate liquidity shortages in the market and creates job opportunities," he said.
Additionally, a competitive market is formed, and a collection of high-quality products is made available in the market, he added.
The religious affairs adviser also mentioned that of the ten lawful ways to earn money, nine are through business.
He urged everyone to earn money through legitimate means and avoid thinking of gaining money through unethical ways.
Dr Khalid emphasized the importance of money, saying that having financial stability is crucial.
With financial well-being, one can perform obligatory religious duties like Hajj and zakat, he said
"Financial poverty corrupts human nature and leads people to engage in criminal activities. Therefore, everyone must strive to achieve financial stability."
