Saiful Islam : A national seminar titled “The Role of Imams and Khatibs in Building a Justice-Based Society” was held in the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka, with the participation of Imams and Khatibs from mosques across the country.

The seminar was organized to ensure the independent performance of religious duties by Imams and Khatibs, to uphold their social and state recognition, and to place a comprehensive ten-point charter of demands on behalf of the Khatib community.

On Saturday, 13 December, at 10:00 a.m., the National Imam and Khatib Organization Bangladesh organized the seminar at the National Press Club, where the organization formally presented the ten-point demands.

The seminar was presided over by Maulana Mufti Abu Taher Al Madani, Chairman of the National Imam and Khatib Organization Bangladesh.

The event was conducted by the organization’s Secretary General, Maulana Mufti Ataur Rahman Alampuri. Speakers addressing various demands of the Imams and Khatibs included Maulana Mujibur Rahman Hamidi, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon; Maulana Abdul Halim, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami; Maulana Mir Idris, Joint Secretary General of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh; Principal Maulana Shah Nesarul Haque, Member of the Board of Governors of Islamic Foundation Bangladesh; Alhaj Atikur Rahman Nannumunsi, Joint Secretary General of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon; Hafiz Mahmudul Haque Hafezzi, Joint Secretary General of Islami Oikya Jote; and Maulana Mufti Abdullah Yahya, President of the National Imam Council, among others.

Prominent Imams, Khatibs, and renowned Islamic scholars from across the country were present at the seminar.

In his presidential address, Chairman Mufti Abu Taher Al Madani presented the following ten-point demands on behalf of the National Imam and Khatib Organization Bangladesh:

1. National Standard Salary Structure and Pay Parity
   A unified national salary structure must be introduced for all Imams, Khatibs, and Muezzins, ensuring parity with the minimum national pay scale.

2. Interest-Free Housing Loans (Housing Support)
   To address the housing crisis of Imams and Khatibs, interest-free housing loans should be introduced through waqf funds or government support.

3. Reduction of Mosque Utility Bills
   Electricity, water, and gas services should be categorized under “religious institutions,” with special subsidies and reduced utility bills.

4. Free Healthcare Cards
   Special healthcare cards should be introduced to ensure free medical services for Imams, Khatibs, and their families.

5. First Priority in Access to State Benefits
   Imams, Khatibs, and teachers should be declared a nationally “first-priority group” in accessing education, healthcare, and all social security benefits.

6. Creation of a National Imam Database
   A unified digital national database should be established to record qualifications, postings, and job security of Imams and Khatibs.

7. Enactment of an Imam Protection and Dignity Act
   A separate law should be enacted to ensure the safety, dignity, and protection of Imams and Khatibs from threats, humiliation, and violence while performing their religious duties.

8. Formation of a National Shura Board
   A central National Shura Board should be formed for Islamic research, issuance of fatwas, social rehabilitation, resolution of marital disputes, and maintaining social harmony.

9. Free Hajj Facilities for Poor and Elderly Imams
   Each year, a fixed number of poor, elderly, and underprivileged Imams and Khatibs should be given the opportunity to perform Hajj free of cost under government supervision.

10. Legal Protection from False Cases and Harassment
    Special legal safeguards should be enacted to protect Imams and Khatibs from false cases and harassment arising from religious sermons or social welfare activities.