Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain announced that a formal letter has been sent to the Ministry of Finance requesting that the salaries of imams and khatibs employed in government, autonomous, and semi-government institutions be adjusted according to the 2015 national pay scale.
He made the statement during the National Hifzul Quran and Sirat Competition and National Conference of Imams, held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Sunday.
Hossain further clarified that mosques under waqf management would also see imam and khatib salaries aligned with the 2015 pay scale.
“If the national election is held in February, I may step down,” he said. “But before I leave, I am committed to reforming the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Islamic Foundation, and the Waqf Administration.”
He added that the settlement of pending waqf cases is being expedited and efforts are underway to digitize waqf-related activities for greater efficiency and transparency.
Regarding the Hajj program, Hossain noted that policy changes are being considered for future pilgrims. “From next year, while we will provide food and transportation free of charge, no additional allowances will be offered,” he said.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
