State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury on Saturday said the government would gradually bring imams, muezzins and khatibs of all mosques across the country under a government allowance programme.
“Several mosques have already been included in a pilot initiative…The programme would be expanded nationwide in phases following completion and assessment of a pilot project and preparation of a comprehensive list of eligible mosques.
The state minister said this while addressing the concluding session of a three-day annual religious gathering (Waz Mahfil) organised by Khanqah-e-Husainia Madania at Aranyapasha, near Chowrasta in Nandail Upazila of Mymensingh, according to a press release.
He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had launched the initiative to provide government allowances to imams, muezzins and khatibs serving mosques in different parts of the country.
The initiative reflects the government's recognition of the social and religious contributions made by those serving religious institutions, he added.
Criticizing the previous government, Yasser alleged that religious gatherings had not been allowed over the past 17 years, while traditional ‘Jatra’ performances had received permission.
He stressed the need to give due importance to religious values and social culture. Referring to election-time political rhetoric, the state minister criticized a political party for allegedly promoting claims that voting for a particular electoral symbol could secure a place in paradise, describing such messages as misleading. He urged all not to be influenced by such claims.
On the cases relating to ‘Shapla Chattar’ and July killings, he said those responsible for the incidents should not receive any form of protection or impunity.
However, he added that the government did not intend to take a hard-line approach against anyone who refrained from creating serious problems. He also called on all concerned to refrain from activities that could undermine law and order.
The programme concluded with a special prayer seeking the welfare of the country, its people and the Muslim Ummah.
Maulana Abdul Quddus led the special prayer. The state minister joined the prayer.
