Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain said on Friday that the government is undertaking various initiatives to promote and develop Islamic culture and values.
Dr Khalid Hossain made this comment while speaking as the chief guest at the ceremony for the "National Children-Adolescent Islamic Cultural Competition-2025," organized by The Islamic Foundation (IF) at the IF auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka, according to a press release.
Dr Khalid Hossain said that in the past, the practice of Islamic culture was viewed negatively in the country.
He emphasized: “No discrimination based on religion should be tolerated.”
He further mentioned that today’s children and adolescents are the future leaders of the nation and will propel the country forward.
Explaining the broad scope of culture, he said that it encompasses beliefs, politics, livelihood, dress, behavior, manners, and customs, all of which collectively define a nation’s culture.
He also pointed out that the minaret of a mosque and the language spoken by a mother are integral parts of this cultural identity.
Additionally, Dr Khalid Hossain said that the IF is planning to organize a national Hifz and Sirat competition, modelled after the national children’s and adolescents’ competition.
There are also plans to introduce Sirat awards similar to those in Saudi Arabia, he added.
He highlighted that competitors from the country consistently achieve success in various international Islamic competitions, including Quran recitation, Hifz, Sirat, and Qiraat.
These competitors are selected and nominated by the IF, he added.
The adviser also praised the success of women in the country, emphasizing that they now hold high positions across all levels of society.
He said that inspiring mothers and sisters in Islamic culture would bring about a transformation in the social system.
The event was presided over by IF Director General Abdus Salam Khan, while Director Md Mohiuddin of the Coordination Department, delivered the welcome speech.
The ceremony was attended by the Islamic Foundation’s directors, project directors, officers, employees, award-winning students, guardians, and scholars.
At the event, a total of 64 winners in the competition were awarded medals.
