DHAKA, Mar 7, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said playing an effective role in poverty alleviation would be possible within 10 to 15 years solely through the Zakat system by ensuring well-planned Zakat distribution. He said this while addressing an Iftar mahfil hosted by him in honor of orphan children and Islamic scholars (Ulama-Mashaikh) at the state guest house Jamuna here this evening. Tarique Rahman said Islamic teachings encourage Zakat to be distributed in such a way that a Zakat recipient should not need to receive Zakat again the following year after receiving it once.  Experts say that if Zakat is distributed in a planned and systematic way, it can play a revolutionary role in eliminating poverty, he said.  Considering this reality, the government has taken plans to make Zakat management more effective and goal-oriented, said the Prime Minister. He said currently there are approximately 4 crore families in the country, both rich and poor combined. "If we identify the poor and extremely poor families among them and provide 100,000 taka in Zakat each year to 500,000 families on a rotational basis, I believe that many of these families may no longer need Zakat the following year," he added. He said various research reports suggest that every year the amount of Zakat in Bangladesh exceeds Taka 20,000-25,000 crore while some estimates suggest even higher amounts.  Addressing the Islamic scholars, he said, "If you find this concept of Zakat management for poverty alleviation reasonable, you can play the most important role in raising awareness among wealthy people." To achieve poverty alleviation through Zakat management, the existing Zakat Board under the Ministry of Religious Affairs could be restructured, involving leading Ulama, Islamic scholars, government officials, and other stakeholders, he said. He said there is an opportunity for Bangladesh to present itself as a model in the Islamic world by effectively utilizing Zakat as a tool for poverty alleviation. Tarique Rahman said the holy month of Ramadan is a month of sacrifice and restraint, a month of mercy, blessings, and self-discipline.  Yet, unfortunately, it is also true that when Ramadan arrives, some people increase the prices of essential commodities, he said, adding that they turn Ramadan into a month of greed and profit. He urged those who adopt dishonest practices even during this sacred month not to become the cause of people's suffering. The Prime Minister said according to Islamic traditions and culture, in previous Ramadans, "we used to arrange Iftar gatherings almost every day for people from different walks of life. Usually, we organize an Iftar in honour of Ulama, Mashayekh, and orphans on the first day of Ramadan." "However, due to the current circumstances of the country, we had to arrange this Iftar with you a little later this time. Moreover, considering the global situation and as part of efforts to reduce expenditure and practice austerity in areas such as gas, electricity, and fuel, we have arranged only two Iftar gatherings this Ramadan, including yesterday's and today's events." Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad), Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain, State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, Whip of Jatiya Sangsad Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu, Chairman of As-Sunnah Foundation Shaykh Ahmadullah, and Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Mufti Abdul Malek, among others, attended the event. In addition, Prime Minister's Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. A K M Shamsul Islam, Prime Minister's Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Press Secretary Saleh Shibly, and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were also present at the iftar party.