Govt asks 8,000 to chip in for Zakat

The government has sent letters to 8,000 affluent individuals including businessmen - the first ever instance in the country - requesting them to contribute to the government Zakat Board as the holy Eid-ul-Fitre approaches.
The letters were sent in a bid to encourage people to donate Zakat in the government fund, as the amount deposited with the board so far is not up to the expectation.
A meager amount of Tk 6.70 crore has been deposited so far as Zakat over the last 26 years since the board was established in 1982.
With a view to increasing Zakat collection, Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNO) were also directed to collect a fixed amount of Zakat from their respective areas.
The information was given at a press briefing at the secretariat yesterday afternoon.
"We did not send letters to well-to-do people earlier. This is the first time we have taken an initiative like this. The government would not have to launch any poverty alleviation programs had people offered Zakat to the government fund," said Director General (DG) of the Islamic Foundation Mohammad Fazlur Rahman.
The government has also taken initiative to broadcast programs on television to encourage people to offer Zakat and let them know about the significance of it.
He also informed that Tk 6.09 crore has been spent from the Zakat fund so far, under which 5.43 lakh poor people have already been benefited.
Mufti Mohammad Nuruddin, acting khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, was also present at the press briefing.
The projects financed by Zakat fund include a children hospital in Tongi, sewing training program, student scholarship, widow rehabilitation, poverty alleviation program, financial assistance, and relief material distribution.
The government Zakat board is consisted of 13 members.