BD huffaz win Quran competition in Makkah

Four Bangladeshi huffaz returned home on Friday after achieving outstanding success at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Quran Competition in Makkah, with one securing first place and three winning third places in different categories.

They were warmly received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:40am, according to a press release from the Religious Affairs Ministry.

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain, popularly known as Kaykobad, sent ministry officials to receive the winners as he could not attend due to illness.

Congratulating the four winners, the minister said Bangladesh had achieved a remarkable distinction as all four participants received awards.

“One participant secured first place, while the other three won third prizes. This is a matter of great honour and pride for Bangladesh,” he said.

He described the achievement as a reflection of Bangladesh’s rich tradition of Quranic scholarship.

An official delegation led by Dr Md Ayatul Islam, Additional Secretary of the Hajj Wing of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, received the winners at the airport. Islamic Foundation Director General Muhammad Muhibbullahil Baqi and other senior officials were also present.

In the competition’s fourth group, Muhammad Zakaria won first place in the men’s category and received 150,000 Saudi riyals. Rabeta Binte Ramadan secured third place in the women’s category and received 130,000 riyals.

In the third group, Sheikh Muhammad Mahmudul Hasan and Musfira Binte Mahmud both won third place, with each receiving 130,000 riyals.

The awards were presented at a colourful closing ceremony at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on August 19. Prince Saud bin Mishal, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, presented the awards.
A total of 50 contestants were awarded across five groups.

The Islamic Foundation selected the four Bangladeshi contestants and facilitated their participation in the international competition.