Zakat crucial for establishing social justice: Bashir

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashiruddin said that zakat plays a crucial role in establishing social justice. He emphasised that zakat has a significant impact and beauty within social systems worldwide. 

He made these remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Role of Islamic Social Finance in Economic Empowerment and Human Development” held at Aloki Convention Center in the capital on Saturday afternoon. 

The adviser said that zakat is one of the most effective methods of wealth distribution. People should be encouraged to give zakat, and its impact on society should be made visible. 

He further stated that zakat is a transfer process for poverty alleviation. Without ethical leadership, equitable distribution of wealth cannot be ensured. “We need a balanced society and ethical leadership,” he added. 

He pointed out that in a free-market economy, if the taxation system does not function properly, social justice cannot be ensured. “Today, a person’s success is measured by their consumption capacity, rather than their dignity, respect, or social responsibilities,” he remarked. 

He also noted that many lives were sacrificed in the July uprising to fight inequality, yet disparities still exist. To eradicate them, equitable wealth distribution is essential. He stressed that the integration of moral and religious obligations is necessary to achieve this goal. 

Dr M Emranul Haque, associate professor of Microeconomics at the University of Manchester, UK, delivered the keynote speech at the seminar. 

The seminar was presided over by economist and former adviser to the caretaker government Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, while Datuk Dr Mohammad Ghazali Noor, secretary general of World Zakat and Waqf, was the guest of honour. 

Panelists included Dr Mohammad Abdul Majid, former chairman of the National Board of Revenue; Prof Dr Mohammad Omar Faruq, head of the Economics Department at United International University; Prof Mokhter Hossain, chairman of Tarbiyah Education Network; Dr Mohammad Ayub Mia, CEO of CZM; and Munwar Misbah Moin, director of Rahim-Afrooz Group and convener of the Executive Council of the Center for Zakat Management. 

Earlier, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashiruddin inaugurated the 13th Zakat Fair 2025. The Center for Zakat Management (CZM) is organising this two-day event, featuring stalls from various financial and zakat institutions, consultation desks for zakat calculation and inquiries, and an Islamic book stall. 

The fair will remain open to the public until 7pm on 23 February.