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MASTUL foundation turns zakat into livelihoods in Lakshmipur

Published : Tuesday, 8 September, 2026 at 2:13 PM

Press Release

MASTUL Foundation has launched its ‘Zakat Self-Reliance’ programme in Lakshmipur Sadar to help underprivileged but economically capable people become self-reliant.

The programme aims to create self-employment opportunities and sustainable sources of income for people facing financial hardship.

Water Resources Minister and Lakshmipur-3 MP Md Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee attended the inaugural event as the chief guest.

MASTUL Foundation Additional Chief Executive Officer and programme chairman Abu Mohammad Kamruzzaman was also present.

The minister and Kamruzzaman distributed goats, ducks, chickens, sewing machines and cash assistance among selected beneficiaries.

The support is intended to help beneficiaries start income-generating activities. The programme focuses on creating sustainable livelihoods rather than providing only temporary assistance.

Speaking at the event, Minister Anee said zakat should not be viewed only as short-term support for people in need.

He said proper planning and effective management can turn zakat funds into a means of achieving long-term self-reliance.

He praised MASTUL Foundation’s initiative and said every beneficiary should be able to establish an independent source of income, live with dignity and gradually reduce their dependence on others.

MASTUL Foundation said humanitarian assistance should go beyond meeting people’s immediate needs.

It said creating opportunities for people to become self-reliant is one of the most sustainable forms of humanitarian service.

The organisation said its ‘Zakat Self-Reliance’ programme seeks to bring long-term positive changes to the lives of underprivileged people through effective use of zakat funds.

Lakshmipur District Council Administrator Sahab Uddin, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Kathoai Pro Marma, the superintendent of police, local elected representatives, government officials, community leaders, media representatives and local residents attended the event.

Livelihood-support materials were formally handed over to the selected beneficiaries during the programme.

MASTUL Foundation said it believes an economically self-reliant and compassionate society can be built by developing people’s skills, abilities and potential.

With this vision, the organisation has been implementing the ‘Zakat Self-Reliance’ programme and other humanitarian and social development initiatives in different parts of Bangladesh.

MASTUL Foundation is a non-profit and non-political humanitarian organisation registered with the NGO Affairs Bureau under the Prime Minister’s Office.

For more than a decade, the organisation has worked for underprivileged communities through humanitarian and development programmes.

Its activities include emergency relief during the floods of 2022, 2024 and 2026. It also provided dignified burial services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The foundation has conducted tree plantation campaigns across the country. Its other initiatives include tube well installation, mosque reconstruction and the ‘Mehmankhana’ programme, which provides free daily meals in Dhaka.

MASTUL Foundation has also provided humanitarian assistance in Türkiye, Gaza and Sudan.

It operates a madrasa, shelter home and orphanage in Hazaribagh, Dhaka.

Donations, zakat and sadaqah made to MASTUL Foundation are eligible for income tax rebates and qualify as tax-deductible contributions for donors, according to the organisation.