The MASTUL Foundation, in collaboration with the America Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ABCCI), held a Zakat seminar at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, Banglamotor on Sunday with the presence of expatriate Bangladeshis.
The event empowered students injured in the anti-discrimination student movement.
The Co-chairman of ABCCI, Hasanuzzaman Hasan, presided over the event. The Chief Guest of the session was Professor Niyaz Ahmed Khan, Vice-chancellor of Dhaka University.
Other distinguished guests included Mohammad Anwar Hossain, DG (Additional) Joint Secretary, NGO Bureau; Asif Ashraf, MD of Urmi Group; Dr. M.D. Ataur Rahman Miazi, Professor of Islamic History & Culture, Dhaka University; Abu Gaffar Mohiuddin Khatib, Namera Mosque & Islamic Center, Brooklyn, New York; Anis Rahman, Co-Founder of Billions for Bangladesh; Duke Khan, FOBANA, Atlanta, USA; Babu Kamruzzaman, Special Representative, News24 TV; Azim Dewan, Founder of the Bangladesh Business Council, Canada. Directors of renowned local and international organisations also attended the event.
During the event, financial assistance was provided to seven injured students who were victims of the July Anti-discrimination Student Movement under the "Zakat Empowerment Project." The recipients were Zakir Sikdar (Rajshahi), Imran (Rajshahi), Mirajul (Pabna), Nadim (Chandpur), Tamim (Barisal), Alamgir (Pabna), and Rifat (Barisal).
Anisul Kabir Jashir, Director of the MASTUL Foundation, said, "Zakat is not a mere act of charity, it is the fundamental right of the poor.” He highlighted the interest of expatriates in helping reduce poverty in Bangladesh through Zakat. "We at MASTUL are constantly working to create employment opportunities in every district of the country, aiming to bring helpless and disabled individuals under the umbrella of self-reliance."
Kazi Reaz Rahman, Founder and Executive Director of MASTUL Foundation, said, "People trust MASTUL and give us their Zakat/Sadaqah. We, following the principles of Islam, use that money to improve the lives of those eligible to receive Zakat/Sadaqah." He further added that through the Zakat Empowerment Project, they expect to bring positive changes in society.
