MP urges expansion of zakat system, cites global trend in Islamic banking

Andaleeve Rahman Partho, a Member of Parliament for the ruling alliance's Bangladesh Jatiya Party, has called for the promotion and expansion of Islamic banking and the zakat system in Bangladesh. Speaking during the discussion on the proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, Partho asserted that Islamic banking has emerged as a significant global trend.

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We must promote Islamic banking.

He pointed to England and Malaysia as examples of countries promoting Islamic banking. "We must promote Islamic banking," he proposed, adding that while "one Islamic bank was looted because the robbers were corrupt," Islamic banking itself offers a major solution. He expressed belief in divine mercy, suggesting that encouraging Islamic banking will bring more blessings.

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One Islamic bank was looted because the robbers were corrupt. But Islamic banking itself is a major solution. We believe in Allah’s mercy, and the more we encourage Islamic banking, the more His blessings will descend upon us.

Partho also emphasized the importance of the zakat system, describing it as the foundation of Islamic economics and an essential safety net for the poor. He noted that while government mechanisms for collecting zakat exist, they are minimal. To improve this, he suggested creating a database for each constituency, enabling anyone, including expatriates, to channel their zakat contributions effectively.

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Zakat is the foundation of Islamic economics -- an inseparable part, a safety net for the poor.

Furthermore, the MP highlighted the budget's commitment to justice and its concern for orphans, women, the marginalized, and people with disabilities. He stressed the need to create pathways for talent to emerge, citing cricketer Nahid Rana as an example of meritocracy in action. Partho is confident that Bangladesh possesses thousands of untapped talents across various sectors that must be brought forward.

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He was discovered because there was meritocracy. I am certain Bangladesh has thousands of Nahid Ranas across different sectors. We must bring them forward.