Focus on Digital Archives and Research
Focus on Digital Archives and Research
- Verified digital publications, e-books, and cloud archives counter misinterpretations effectively
- Direct digital fund transfers returned unspent pilgrimage balances to four-thousand hajjis
- Over thirteen thousand religious leaders receive digitized state honorarium and allowances
Deploying digital publishing systems, e-books, and online repository archives is critical to advancing research-oriented knowledge dissemination.
The initiative was highlighted during the inauguration of the month-long 'Islamic Book Fair 2026' on Saturday, September 12. The Publication Department of Islamic Foundation organized the event at the eastern complex of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque to mark Holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi (PBUH) 1448 Hijri. Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad) inaugurated the exhibition.
Presiding over the event, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs A. H. M. Kamruzzaman called for research-driven knowledge creation. He stressed the importance of authentic publications, e-books, and secure digital archives to prevent misinformation in the digital age. He also urged authors and publishers to produce literature focused on moral foundations for young readers.
Highlighting administrative digitization, Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad) announced that the government set an unprecedented benchmark in 2026 by refunding 48,723,014 BDT of unspent funds directly into the bank accounts of 4,341 state-managed pilgrims. He noted that through Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s personal initiative, this year's Hajj airfare was reduced to 130,000 BDT from 197,797 BDT in 2023.
The Minister said, "No administration since independence took steps to institutionalize state honorariums for imams and muezzins until the Prime Minister prioritized it." He confirmed that 13,949 imams, muezzins, priests, and temple attendants have received state allowances. He added that the administration is issuing digital 'Farmer Cards' and 'Family Cards' alongside executing national canal-excavation and afforestation drives.
Islamic Foundation Director General Muhammad Muhibbullahil Baqee delivered the welcome address. Senior ministry officials, publishing executives, and journalists attended the opening session. The exhibition hosts 206 domestic and international stalls through October 11, remaining open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM and from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on holidays.
//DBTech/MFA/SE/EIC//
