Govt announces honorariums for religious leaders ahead of Eid

The decision was reached on Saturday during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office. The initiative will cover khatibs, imams, muezzins and religious leaders of other faiths, according to officials.

Briefing reporters at the PMO gate, Prime Minister’s adviser Mahdi Amin said the programme would be rolled out in phases. “Following the Prime Minister's directive, a decision has been taken that, InshaAllah, before this Eid we will complete the necessary preparations and start the programme gradually. 

In some areas, respected khatibs, imams and muezzins will be given an honorarium, InshaAllah,” he said.

He added that the specific amount of the honorarium has not yet been determined and will be finalised at an inter-ministerial meeting. Mahdi spoke in the presence of State Minister for Local Government and Cooperatives Shahe Alam.

Earlier, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly said Saturday was the Prime Minister’s third working day in office and that he had issued several directives aimed at implementing election pledges.

In the afternoon, a meeting focused on strengthening religious and social harmony took place at the PMO in Tejgaon, chaired by the Prime Minister. Ministers, state ministers and relevant senior officials attended the session at the Cabinet Conference Room.

A separate meeting, also chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, addressed plans to establish a cheerful and career-oriented education system, create employment opportunities, and expand sports infrastructure and training facilities. Ministers, state ministers and senior officials concerned were present.

Saturday also marked the Prime Minister’s first day working at the PMO since assuming office. Despite it being a public holiday, he arrived at 10:10am and was received by Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.