Promote Islamic banking, institutionalise zakat management: MP Andaleeve 

Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) lawmaker (Bhola-1)  Andaleeve Rahman today (27 June) called on the government to promote Islamic banking, institutionalise zakat management and accelerate infrastructure development in Bhola while praising the proposed FY2026-27 national budget as welfare-oriented and centred on justice and humanity.

Participating in the budget discussion in parliament, the MP proposed creating a national database of zakat recipients to make the collection and distribution of zakat more efficient and transparent.

He also suggested developing a digital platform and mobile application to connect donors, including expatriate Bangladeshis, with eligible recipients.

"Many people want to pay zakat but do not know where to give it. If we create a proper database and digital platform, it will become much easier for both local and overseas Bangladeshis to contribute," he said.

Andaleeve also proposed launching a dedicated television channel to raise awareness about zakat and encourage charitable giving.

Highlighting the growing global acceptance of Islamic finance, the lawmaker urged the government to strengthen Islamic banking.

"The world is moving towards Islamic banking. We should also promote it because we believe it brings divine blessings alongside economic development," he said.

While acknowledging that Bangladesh could not transition overnight from the conventional banking system, he said the country should gradually expand Islamic financial services.

Praising the proposed budget, Andaleeve said it reflected a government committed to public welfare rather than authoritarian rule.

"I see a message in this budget - that we care and it matters. This is the difference between an autocratic state and a government that works for the welfare of its people," he said.

Referring to the early Islamic state in Madinah, he said justice and humanity were its two fundamental pillars and argued that Bangladesh's development should be guided by the same principles.

He welcomed budgetary measures, including family cards, support for people with disabilities, export promotion, startups, healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry, saying they demonstrated the government's commitment to improving public welfare.

The BJP lawmaker also defended the government's revenue targets, arguing that previous tax collection failures were largely the result of institutionalised corruption under the former Awami League government.

He claimed that large-scale banking scandals had become less frequent under the current administration and urged all political parties to support the budget as a national issue instead of engaging in partisan politics.

Turning to regional development, Andaleeve called for greater investment in Bhola, saying the district possesses around 1.3 trillion cubic metres of natural gas reserves but lacks adequate infrastructure.

He reiterated his demand for an airport, a university, improved healthcare facilities and the long-awaited Bhola-Barishal bridge, saying the projects are essential to attract investment and unlock the district's economic potential.

"Bhola is full of gas resources. We should treat it as the heart of Bangladesh's future economy and invest accordingly," he said.

The lawmaker also urged Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to establish a special Bhola Development Committee to coordinate development priorities and speed up the implementation of key infrastructure projects.

Concluding his speech, Andaleeve congratulated the government on the proposed budget and expressed hope that all political parties would work together to ensure its successful implementation for the country's benefit.