Speakers in a seminar said zakat was an effective tool for poverty alleviation and suggested that in order to reduce economic disparity and alleviate poverty zakat should be incorporated in the development strategies.
Besides, the wealthy people should make appropriate planning for proper distribution of zakat, they said in the seminar on ‘exploring potential of zakat and the role of women’ organised by the Centre for Zakat Management in Dhaka on Saturday.
CZM chairman Niaz Rahim presided over the seminar which was addressed by Rokia Afzal Rahman, former adviser to the caretaker government and the president of Bangladesh Federation of Women Entrepreneurs.
BUET professor Sultana Razia and Islamic University, Kusthia professor Abu Sina also spoke on the occasion.
Mohammad Ayub Miah, chief executive officer of the CZM, made a presentation on the programmes and activities of the CZM relating to poverty alleviation and human development.
Rokea Afzal said millions of people in Bangladesh had been living in below poverty line and they were deprived of basic needs like food, education and shelter.
‘It was the responsibility of the rich to support these people and zakat could be the best way to help them.’ She said that zakat was an effective mechanism for reducing poverty from the society.
-With New Age input
