PM Tarique proposes structured Zakat distribution to make families self-reliant

The system should empower recipients so they do not need to seek Zakat the following year, he says

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has unveiled a bold vision to transform Zakat into a powerful tool for poverty eradication, stressing that alms must empower recipients to stand on their own rather than remain dependent.

Speaking at an Iftar gathering for orphans and Islamic scholars at the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday, Tarique highlighted the untapped potential of Bangladesh’s Zakat collection.

“Research indicates that Tk 200–250 billion is collected in Zakat annually, yet the question remains: how much truly reaches the needy and lifts them from poverty?” he said.

He proposed a planned, target-oriented system in which underprivileged families could receive Tk 50,000–100,000 annually from a central fund.

“If executed properly, 500,000 families could become self-reliant within a year,” he said, urging that distribution follow the Islamic principle of making recipients independent.

Tarique suggested reorganising the National Zakat Board under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, engaging Islamic scholars, pundits, and officials to oversee the process.

“Through effective Zakat management, Bangladesh can become a model for poverty alleviation in the Islamic world,” he added, calling on ulema to raise awareness among the wealthy about the benefits of logical, structured giving.