Religious Leadership Emphasizes Faith as a Tool for Social Harmony
In a significant move highlighting the role of religious institutions in fostering societal well-being, Dr AFM Khalid Hossain, Adviser to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, recently emphasized that increased engagement with religious principles could play a pivotal role in reducing crime rates across the country. His comments came during an event held in Chattogram on Friday, where he inaugurated three newly constructed mosques and laid the foundation stone for another model mosque.
The event, held in the Hathazari, Raozan, and Rangunia upazilas of Chattogram, marked a major milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen religious infrastructure. A total of approximately Tk 40 crore has been allocated for the construction of these four mosques, underscoring the importance placed on providing modern, accessible places of worship.
Dr Hossain reiterated his belief that spiritual awareness and adherence to religious teachings can have a profound impact on moral behavior within communities. He argued that when individuals internalize values such as honesty, compassion, and accountability—core tenets in most religious traditions—the overall crime rate is likely to decline. This perspective aligns with broader governmental initiatives aimed at promoting social cohesion through faith-based programs.
Expanding Islamic Infrastructure Nationwide
Under the guidance of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Islamic Foundation is currently overseeing the construction of 564 mosques and Islamic cultural centers throughout the country. These projects are not only intended to provide prayer spaces but also serve as community hubs for education, charity work, and interfaith dialogue. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the multifaceted role that religious institutions play in shaping civic life.
One notable development in recent weeks was the launch of a new website and online donation system for the historic Pagla Mosque in Kishoreganj. This digital transformation allows donors from around the world to contribute to the maintenance and activities of the mosque, enhancing its outreach and sustainability. The integration of technology into religious institutions marks a progressive step toward modernizing traditional practices while preserving their core essence.
Key Figures Present at the Inauguration
Several prominent religious and administrative leaders attended the inauguration ceremonies in Chattogram. Among them were Shaykhul Hadith Allama Sheikh Ahmed, head of Hathazari Madrasa; Maulana Khalil Ahmed Qasemi; and Maulana Mahmudul Hasan Fatehpuri, all of whom played active roles in the proceedings.
Representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs were also present, including Additional Secretary Mu: A: Awal Hawlader, Director General of the Islamic Foundation A: Salam Khan, and Project Director Md. Shahidul Alam. Their presence highlighted the collaborative effort between religious scholars and government officials in advancing the nation’s spiritual and infrastructural goals.
Despite these developments, it is worth noting that there remains no official mechanism in place to register mosques or to provide allowances to key religious staff such as Khatibs, Imams, and Muezzins. This gap suggests a potential area for future policy reform, especially given the increasing number of mosques being built nationwide.
As Bangladesh continues to invest in religious infrastructure, the focus appears to be shifting toward ensuring both physical expansion and spiritual enrichment. With events like the recent mosque inaugurations in Chattogram, the government and religious leaders are working hand-in-hand to promote a vision of society rooted in faith, unity, and moral responsibility.
