The government has formed a 12-member committee, headed by Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of donation funds at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) in Sylhet.
The committee has been tasked with formulating a modern and practical framework for the shrine’s financial management within the next month.
The decision was announced following a meeting on the management and development of the shrine held at the Sylhet Circuit House on Friday. Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir presided over the meeting.
The meeting was convened in the wake of recent discussions and controversy surrounding the locking of donation boxes at the shrine.
After extensive deliberations, participants agreed on the need for a coordinated initiative to ensure transparent management of donation funds and the overall development of the historic shrine.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, the minister said fruitful discussions had been held with all stakeholders to reach a rational solution regarding the shrine’s development, management of donation funds and overall operations.
“All concerned, including the shrine authorities, have reached a consensus on ensuring transparency in financial management. Based on opinions from all sides, this 12-member committee has been formed and will recommend a future course of action within one month,” he said.
Muktadir said maintaining transparency throughout the process is the government’s primary objective.
Until the new framework is finalised, the existing committee will continue counting donation box collections under the prevailing system, and the funds will be deposited into the shrine’s existing bank account, he added.
Apart from the minister, the committee includes Sylhet Development Authority Chairman Rezaul Hasan Qayes Lodhi, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury, Divisional Commissioner Mashiur Rahman, the Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner, the District Council Administrator, two representatives from the shrine's Mutawalli family, and two representatives from the shrine’s madrasa and mosque.
The deputy commissioner (DC) of Sylhet will serve as the committee’s secretary.
Responding to a question regarding initiatives taken by outgoing DC Mohammad Sarwar Alam, the minister said the government does not want to create controversy over past issues.
“We want to move forward together with all stakeholders. Inclusive decision-making is more effective than unilateral actions. The government has taken a sustainable initiative to ensure transparency, participation and to avoid future misunderstandings,” he said.
Earlier in the day, a closed-door meeting at the Circuit House discussed preserving the shrine’s heritage, improving the existing management system and making development activities more effective and widely acceptable.
The meeting was attended by local political leaders, senior government officials, public representatives, shrine authorities and other stakeholders.
Sylhet Development Authority Chairman Rezaul Hasan Qayes Lodhi, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury, Divisional Commissioner Dr Mosharraf Hossain, Sylhet Range DIG Dr Zillur Rahman, Sylhet Superintendent of Police Dr Chowdhury Mohammad Jaber Sadeq, District Council Administrator Abul Kaher Chowdhury Shamim and Sylhet Metropolitan BNP General Secretary Imdad Hossain Chowdhury, among others, were also present at the meeting.
