The New Nation - Internet Edition

A discussion meeting on "Role of Waqf. Micro Investment, Zakat and Usr for Poverty Alleviation" was held on 2 September. Saturday at Institution of Diplama Engineers. 160/ A. Kakrail. Dhaka organized by Head Office, IBTRA. Dhaka North. South and Central Zones of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited. Praf. Abu Nasser Muhammda Abduz Zaher. Chairman. Board of Directars of the Bank was present it; the function as the Chief Guest and H. Fadlulla Wilmat, Country Director. Muslim Aid UK was present as the Special Guest. Presided aver by M. Fariduadin Ahma (Managing Director of the Bank the key discussion was presented by Mufti Syed Ahmad, Member. Shari'ah Council Mahd. Shamsul Hoque. Deputy Managing Director delivered the welcome speech. Executives, Officials and Staff of a segments of Head Office. IBRTA. Dhaka North. South and Central Zones of the Bank were present in the function.

Prof. Abu Nasser Mahammad Abduz Zaher said in his speech as the Chief Guest that we have to look at the history know the role of Waqf, Zakat and Usr in alleviating poverty. These were significant institutions in the glorious past (Muslim world. He urged all affluent men including industrialists and Businessmen of the society to turn Waqf and Zakat into a concrete movement in order to establish a balanced society.

He said IBBL is playing significant role in reducing poverty through different micro investment projects like Run Development Project (RDS) and they have been able to gain reputation in this regard. He suggested IBBL to make to micro investments mare welfare oriented.

H. Fadlullah Wilmat in his speech viewed that Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited is the competent descendant of Islami Development Bank. This Bank has taken admirable initiative to establish interest-free Islamic Society through developed banking service.

Mufti Syed Ahmad said in the key discussion that the number of highly affluent men in our country is several hundred It will be noble deed if they donate a substantial portion of their wealth through Waqf.

He said we have forgotten the immense importance of Waqf. A plan of mingling Waqf Charity of Zakat with micro finance may be chalked out. Then we can bring a wide change and diversity in the field of micro finance with a view reducing poverty. We can change the fate of the country through this program.

He said that Waqr micro Investment, Zakat and Usr should be reshaped in order to alleviate poverty fram the society:

Far this reason. all citizens of the society including Industrialists. Businessmen and Professionals should came forward with the sense of cooperation.

M. Fariduddin Ahmad said in his presidential speech that IBBL has farmed Waqf Fund through Mudaraba Waqf Can Account to change the social status of the distressed people. The Bank is working to bear the educational expenses of to poor and orphanage and far the welfare of the helpless people with the Zakat fund collected from the affluent people through establishing Islami Bank Faundatian. Besides, the Bank is playing role in reducing poverty though Rur Development Scheme. If we can combine micro-finance with Waqr Sadaqah, Charity and Zakat then we can bring diversity and change in it which is not possible by the traditional micro-finance.

Mohd. Shamsul Haque said in his Welcome Speech that Ramadan is the symbol of purification mutual Compassion are unity. Ramadan is the ardent instance of the fact that Islam has given dictation to ensure the right of all the people irrespective of race, colour and creed. The glorious month encourage us to achieve peace, fraternity and tolerance.