JS body recommends rooftop solar for mosques

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Religious Affairs has recommended rooftop solar power projects at mosques across the country and a clear policy for people undertaking Hajj at government expense.

The recommendations were made at the committee’s first meeting of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS), held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Tuesday.

Committee Chairman Rafiqul Islam Jamal, MP, presided over the meeting.

Representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, heads of various departments, directorates, agencies, trusts and foundations, and officials from the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat also attended.

The committee was briefed on the activities of the ministry and its subordinate offices and agencies, including Hajj management, the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Waqf Administration.

Representatives also briefed the committee on the activities of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust, Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust and Christian Religious Welfare Trust.

The ministry gave a PowerPoint presentation on the implementation of the government’s 180-day action plan, manpower and budget, the vision and mission of its offices and agencies, major achievements, implementation of the government’s election manifesto and future plans.

The committee also recommended the prompt transfer of doctors, officials and employees who have long worked at the same hospitals and missions operated by the Islamic Foundation, saying such transfers would ensure better public service.