PM Tarique Directs Pre-Eid Allowances for Imams, Khatibs and Other Religious Leaders

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the government to introduce monthly honorariums and festival allowances for khatibs, imams, muezzins, and religious leaders of other faiths in selected areas before the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, fulfilling a key BNP election pledge. The announcement was made at his first meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on a public holiday.

Adviser Mahdi Amin said the work will be completed step by step for disbursement before Eid. The exact amount is yet to be fixed and will be decided at an inter-ministerial meeting. A committee has been formed to determine implementation, coverage, and districts to be prioritised in the first phase.

Tarique issued directives to immediately begin implementing all BNP election pledges. He instructed ministers, state ministers, and government officials to maintain transparency and carry out duties with full responsibility. He sought support from those present to strengthen people’s trust in the government and stressed that the pledges must not create any controversy or negative impact on the public.

The meeting also discussed wider election promises, including creating employment opportunities on merit without discrimination in public and private sectors, promoting entrepreneurship, and facilitating overseas employment. Reforms in education, especially technical and vocational training, and policy changes for business and industry were discussed to develop skilled manpower and faster job opportunities.

Another meeting focused on establishing a cheerful and career-oriented education system, creating employment opportunities, and expanding sports infrastructure and training facilities.

Tarique started the day by planting a Magnolia Champaca sapling on the PMO grounds and offering special prayers. He unveiled a commemorative postage stamp marking ‘Amar Ekushey’, the Language Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day. Navy Chief M Nazmul Hassan and Air Chief Hasan Mahmood Khan paid courtesy calls on him.

Tarique also spoke with PMO employees who had served during his mother Khaleda Zia’s tenure, recognising familiar faces and inquiring about their families. He took the oath on February 17 and spent the previous two days working from the Secretariat.