Rajshahi DC Khandaker Azim Ahmed distributed zakat funds to 115 distressed individuals in Rajshahi. Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, March 11, 2025 (BSS) - A total of 115 distressed and helpless people were given zakat money worth Taka 5.75 lakh to help alleviate financial crisis and bring some happiness to their families. 

The Rajshahi Divisional Office of the Islamic Foundation (IF) has distributed the money on behalf of the government's Zakat Fund of 2024-2025 fiscal year at the Deputy Commissioner's (DC) office conference hall today. 

Each recipient was given Taka 5,000. 

Earlier, a discussion titled "Role of Zakat in Poverty Alleviation" was held on the occasion. 

Commissioner of Rajshahi Division, Khandaker Azim Ahmed, attended and addressed the distribution ceremony as the chief guest, while DC Afiya Akhter presided over the event.

Divisional Director of IF Abdur Razzaque, Director of Finance, Accounts and Zakat Division Abdul Hamid Khan and Professor Nizam Uddin from the Department of Arabic at Rajshahi University also spoke on the occasion. 
 
Commissioner Khandaker Azim Ahmed said that zakat can help reduce income disparity and promote economic growth as a tool for poverty reduction by transferring wealth from well-off people to worse-off people. 

He also mentioned that adjustments between income tax and zakat can lead to greater collection. Tax rebates for zakat payers should be introduced to increase the volume of collection. 
 
Zakat can reduce pressure on the government's spending on social safety nets and foreign borrowing, IF Divisional Director Abdur Razzaque observes, suggesting advocacy support of the nation's economists to this effect.