Govt using model mosques to prevent religious extremism: Minister

The government is effectively using local model mosques and Islamic cultural centres to keep young people away from religious extremism, propaganda and social division in parts of Sarail-Ashuganj and Bijoynagar upazilas in Brahmanbaria, Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad has said.

He was responding to a written question from Brahmanbaria-2 MP Rumeen Farhana during the question-answer session of parliament on Monday, July 13.

The minister said various awareness programmes are being implemented through the Islamic Foundation to maintain social peace, harmony and secular spirit in the area. Activities are being organised around local model mosques and Islamic cultural centres to encourage youth in the true message of Islam, moral education and tolerance.

He said Friday sermons, religious seminars and harmony meetings are being arranged through local clerics, imams and khatibs to raise awareness among young people about the harmful effects of extremism, rumours and disinformation.

Interfaith dialogues and harmony gatherings are also being organised regularly with participation of religious leaders from different faiths.

The minister also said a project titled 'Religious Harmony and Awareness Enhancement' has been initiated under the Ministry of Religious Affairs.