Zakat can eradicate country’s poverty within 10 years: Khalid

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain on Sunday said that proper collection and distribution of zakat could eradicate poverty in the country within 10 years.

"If all wealthy individuals in Bangladesh give zakat, it is possible to raise Tk 1 trillion annually," he told a discussion marking the holy month of Ramadan at Bangladesh Bank's central mosque in the city, said a press release.

He said, "The mentality of making money has to be changed. It is better to eat just rice and lentils with hard-earned money."

Criticising financial irregularities, he added, "Those who have looted the state resources of Bangladesh should be tried first, whoever that person may be."

Referring to reported procurement prices, he questioned, "How can the price of a pillow be Tk 2,400? How can the price of a bed sheet be Tk 56,000?"

Drawing comparisons with developed countries, he said, "In those countries, even if people's wealth is left lying around, no one takes each other's money. But the picture of our Bangladesh is completely different. First of all, we need to change our mindset."

He urged businesses to keep prices stable during Ramadan.

"It is a great sin to hold consumers hostage for extra profit," he said, calling on central bank officials to lead a life free from interest and bribery.