12th Zakat Fair Kicks Off Today

The 12th Zakat Fair begins in the capital today (Saturday) to popularise the idea of zakat in ensuring social and economic security. The Centre for Zakat Management (CZM) has organised this two-day long fair with the theme 'Making a difference with zakat' at Aloki Convention Centre in Dhaka.

Zakat is the mandatory donation of a certain proportion of wealth to charitable causes by all solvent Muslims as per the Islamic law. Hossain Zillur Rahman, former adviser to a caretaker government, is scheduled to inaugurate the fair that will remain open to all from 09:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Rahimafrooz, Khadim Ceramics, Kohinoor Chemical Company Ltd, Rahim Steel, South Bridge and Hajj Finance Company Ltd have sponsored this year's fair. According to organisers, the fair will have stalls of various financial as well as zakat institutions, zakat consultation desk and stalls of various Islamic books.

Arastoo Khan, convener of the fair organising committee, said this at a press conference hosted at the Economic Reporters Forum on Thursday.Mohammad Abdul Majid, chairman of the Zakat Distribution Committee of the CZM and also former chairman of the National Board of Revenue, was present.

Mr Khan urged the wealthy and all those concerned to visit the fair to know about zakat-based activities and details of zakat calculation methods, including the accurate calculation of personal zakat.

A total of six sessions will be held at the fair. The fair will hold a programme on the second day to distribute prizes to schools, madrasas and genius students.

Prominent social thinkers and development experts of the country are expected to participate in the fair.