Rangunia, Chattogram, June 4, 2022 (BSS) – Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud stated today that no previous government in Bangladesh’s history has done as much for Islam and Islamic scholars (alem-ulama) as the Awami League (AL) government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Key Highlights from the Minister’s Address
| Initiative/Action | Status / Achievement |
| Establishment of an Independent Islamic Arabic University | Fulfilled by AL government under Sheikh Hasina |
| Recognition of Qawmi Madrasa certificates | Granted by AL government; Qawmi scholars employed |
| Construction of model mosques | 560 mosques built across district and upazila levels |
| Mosque-based mastabas and maktabs | ~1 lakh nationwide; 200 in Rangunia Upazila alone |
| Allowance for maktab teachers | Tk. 5,200 monthly |
| Allowance for Darul Arkam Ebtadayee Madrasa teachers | Tk. 12,000 monthly for each of the two teachers |
| Personal initiatives by Dr. Hasan Mahmud | 20+ mosque buildings built via Allama Foyzullha Foundation and family-run NNK Foundation |
️ Statements from Dr. Hasan Mahmud
Speaking at a view-exchange meeting with madrasah teachers and Islamic scholars at the Ranguniya Upazila Auditorium, the minister said:
“The hundred-year-old demand of the alem-ulama to establish an independent Islamic Arabic University has only been realised under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. No such institution existed during the British era, the Pakistan period, or under previous regimes.”
He specifically criticised BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, noting that even when Maulana Mannan served as Religious Affairs Minister during the Ershad regime, the demand remained unmet.
On Qawmi Madrasa Recognition
“Although Begum Khaleda Zia was in power, she did not fulfil the longstanding demand of recognising Qawmi Madrasas. It was Sheikh Hasina’s government that not only recognised their certificates but also arranged employment for Qawmi scholars.”
Religious Infrastructure & Social Initiatives
Dr Mahmud outlined several developments in Islamic infrastructure and social support:
- About one lakh mosque-based maktabs (religious schools) have been set up across the country.
- Around 200 maktabs operate in Rangunia Upazila alone, each receiving government allowances.
- Darul Arkam Ebtadayee Madrasa teachers receive Tk. 12,000 monthly.
- The Awami League government has completed construction of 560 model mosques, elevating both the quality and accessibility of religious spaces nationwide.
Call to Islamic Scholars
The minister urged Islamic scholars (ulema) to:
“Highlight and disseminate the development activities of the Awami League government related to Islam. Since being elected as an MP, I have tried my best to serve Islam and its scholars.”
He also shared his personal contributions, including the construction of over 20 new mosque buildings, both through his own efforts and under the Allama Foyzullha Foundation and the NNK Foundation, run by his family.
Distinguished Attendees
The meeting was attended by a host of dignitaries, religious scholars, and government officials:
- Pir Golamur Rahman Ashraf Shah, Ranguniya Betagi Darbar-e-Astana Sharif
- Maulana Anas Madani, Director, Meheria Madrasha
- Lokmanul Haque Talukder, AL Upazila Vice President (Chair)
- Swajan Kumar Talukder, Upazila Chairman
- Ataul Gani Osmani, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO)
- Shahjahan Sikder, Municipality Mayor
- Engineer Samsul Alam Talukder
- Maulana Nazmul Haque Noimee, Rangunia Nurul Ulum Kamil Madrasa
- Dr Maulana Abdul Mabud, Professor, Rangunia Government College
- Maulana Nazrul Islam Al Kaderi, Alam Shah Para Kamil Madrasha Principal
- Maulana Md Sultan, Khandalia Para Madrasha Director
- Maulana Abdul Kader, Kodala Madrasha Director
- Maulana Golam Kibria, AL Upazila Advisor
- Maulana Syed Ayub Nuri, Islamic Scholar
For further updates on the development initiatives linked to Islamic education and infrastructure under the current government, stay connected with official news portals.