Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaykobad) remarked that the month-long Islamic Book Fair 2026, organized in the eastern courtyard of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the capital, will play a special role in promoting Islamic knowledge, reading habits, and moral values among the general public. Speaking as the chief guest at the fair's inaugural ceremony on Saturday (September 12) afternoon, he further stated that the fair would be instrumental in ensuring that people of all ages develop moral and human qualities alongside religious education, and that the life ideals of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the true message of Islam reach the masses.
The Publication Division of the Islamic Foundation organized this fair on the occasion of the holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi (PBUH) 1448 Hijri. The Religious Affairs Minister emphasized transforming the Islamic Foundation into a true center for propagating the Holy Quran and Hadith, free from past political influence. He noted that for the past seventeen years, the institution had been used for political purposes, but the work of publishing Quran and Hadith books would never cease.
Regarding the crisis in the country's electricity and gas sectors, the Religious Affairs Minister stated that these sectors were destroyed over the past eighteen years. He emphasized that the current government needs time to reconstruct these sectors. Mentioning various initiatives of the current government, he informed that the government is working tirelessly for public welfare and is committed to rectifying past mistakes to build a developed and prosperous Bangladesh.
Speaking about Hajj management, Religious Affairs Minister Kaykobad announced that a total of BDT 4 crore 87 lakh 23 thousand 14, the unspent amount for 4,341 pilgrims who performed Hajj under government management in 2026, has been directly refunded to their bank accounts, setting a new precedent. He further mentioned that this year's Hajj airfare has been set at BDT 1 lakh 30 thousand, which is part of a transparent and disciplined system for pilgrims.
Regarding allowances for Imams and Muezzins, he stated that initiatives have been taken to arrange government allowances for the country's Imams and Muezzins. Already, 13,949 Imams, Muezzins, priests, and 'sebaits' (temple caretakers) have been provided with allowances. He expressed hope that this initiative would help improve the living standards of religious leaders.
During the event, the Religious Affairs Minister recalled the role of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in nation-building. Simultaneously, he referred to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia as an 'uncompromising leader' and mentioned her contributions. Many believe the Minister's remarks carry special significance in the political arena.
In his presidential address at the event, A. H. M. Kamruzzaman, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, called for making Islamic knowledge research-based and contemporary. He emphasized making pure knowledge accessible through reliable publications, e-books, and digital archives to prevent misinformation in the digital age. Concurrently, he urged authors and publishers to release books based on moral values suitable for children and adolescents.
The event commenced with a welcome speech by Muhammad Muhibbullahil Baqi, Director General of the Islamic Foundation. This year's Islamic Book Fair features a total of 206 stalls, both domestic and international. The fair will continue until October 11. It will be open to all daily from 11 AM to 10 PM, and on holidays from 10 AM to 10 PM, offering a golden opportunity for readers and visitors.
