Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, Advisor to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, announced that the ministry is in the process of creating a pay structure for Imams and Muezzins. The initiative, currently underway, will be implemented upon approval by the Chief Advisor and subsequent gazette publication. This pay structure will apply to Imams and Muezzins serving in government, autonomous, and semi-autonomous institutions.

Speaking at a discussion session with trainees at the Imam Training Academy in Barisal on Tuesday, December 31, Dr. Hossain stated that the ministry plans to encourage private mosque committees to follow similar guidelines. Additionally, proposals have been made to provide festival allowances and accommodation facilities near mosques to improve the living standards of Imams and Muezzins.

Training for Imams and Muezzins was highlighted as a priority by the advisor, emphasizing its role in enhancing professional competence and motivation. He suggested that those undergoing training be encouraged to engage in small-scale businesses, such as cottage industries, fish farming, pigeon rearing, or quail farming, alongside their religious duties. To support these efforts, the ministry offers interest-free loans to help Imams and Muezzins become self-reliant without compromising their dignity.

The advisor also shared plans to establish a water treatment plant to produce and market mineral water under the brand name "Imam." Profits from this initiative will be directed to a welfare trust benefiting Imams and Muezzins. He expressed the ministry's intent to start this project promptly, ensuring financial independence without external financial aid.

Dr. Hossain further addressed initiatives to modernize zakat collection through a mobile application, currently under revision, which will enable donors to contribute directly to the Islamic Foundation’s zakat fund from their homes.

Discussing reforms in Hajj management, the advisor revealed that costs have already been reduced by BDT 100,000 per pilgrim. Operational inefficiencies in the system have been addressed, and a new policy ensures that only those directly involved in Hajj management can travel on government or ministry expenses. The ministry has also resolved to take strict action against agencies involved in fraudulent activities with pilgrims.

The session, presided over by Barisal Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Delwar Hossain, was attended by officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Islamic Foundation, and local Imams and Muezzins. Following the event, Dr. Hossain visited the Al Jamia Al Islamia Al Mahmudia Madrasa in Barisal's Amanatganj area.