PM inauguates honorarium programme for Imams, Priests today

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman officially inaugurated a monthly honorarium programme for imams, muezzins, priests, pastors, and other religious leaders from across the country on Saturday (March 14).

The event took place at the Osmani Smriti Auditorium in Dhaka.

The initiative, part of the government’s electoral commitment, aims to improve the livelihoods of religious service providers while enhancing their social recognition.

Initially launched as a pilot, the programme will provide monthly stipends to thousands of religious leaders nationwide.

According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the project will cover 4,908 imams, muezzins, and khadems of mosques; 990 priests and sevaits of temples; 144 abbots and vice-abbots of Buddhist viharas; and 396 pastors and authorities of churches.

Under the programme, each mosque will receive TK 10,000 monthly—Tk 5,000 for the imam, Tk 3,000 for the muezzin, and Tk 2,000 for the khadem. Other places of worship will receive Tk 8,000 per month, with Tk 5,000 allocated for the head priest, abbot, or pastor, and Tk 3,000 for assistant religious workers.

Officials described the initiative as a significant step toward promoting religious harmony and social dignity.

Senior government officials and top representatives from various religious communities attended the launch event.