Govt to formulate rules, salary structure for Imams: Muktadir

Commerce, Industry and Textiles & Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has said that the government will formulate rules for the appointment of imams and thus determine their salary structure.

The Minister made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest at a programme organised by Sylhet City Corporation to distribute honorariums among imams in the city this morning.

He said the government wants to introduce a state-recognised set of rules and regulations under which the appointment and removal of imams will be carried out, ensuring that no imam can be dismissed based on anyone's personal whim.

Regarding salaries and allowances, he said the honorarium for imams should be sufficient to cover the living expenses of a family of four to six members. "We will move forward to achieve this goal," he added.

Muktadir also mentioned that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had spoken about the matter even before the election.

Describing imams as the "crown of society," the minister said the Prime Minister holds deep respect for them. "To express that respect, a small honorarium is being handed over to you (Imams) today through the administrator of the City Corporation," he added.

The minister further said that imams will be included in local monitoring committees to ensure transparency and accountability in development activities and to strengthen people's ownership of those projects.

He also expressed optimism that extensive development activities will take place in Sylhet City Corporation in the coming days.

"The government has appointed such a person as administrator of the city in whom the Prime Minister has confidence. Initiatives will be taken to accelerate the city's development, and the roads will be upgraded to A-grade standard," he said.

Reiterating the commitment to eliminate drugs and gambling from the city permanently, the minister said efforts will continue to ensure safety for residents and to transform the city into a beautiful and livable urban centre by eliminating crime.

Presided over by the administrator of Sylhet City Corporation and president of the Sylhet district unit of Bangladesh Nationalist Party Abdul Quiyum Choudhury, the programme was also attended by Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Reza-un-Nabi, Chief Executive Officer of the City Corporation Rezai Rafin Sarkar, and newly appointed administrator of Sylhet Zila Parishad Abul Kaher Chowdhury Shamim, among others.