MASTUL Foundation has provided cash assistance to underprivileged and economically active families in Dhaka-9 constituency under its ‘Zakat Self-Reliance’ program.
State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid, attending the event as the chief guest, said, Zakat is not merely a means of providing financial assistance; when utilized properly, it can create an opportunity for a disadvantaged person to become self-reliant.
“Providing appropriate support to people who are capable of working and engaging them in income-generating activities can contribute to poverty reduction while also reducing social inequality.”
He further said, “MASTUL Foundation’s ‘Zakat Self-Reliance’ program is a commendable initiative to utilize Zakat funds for the long-term welfare of people. I encourage financially capable members of society to come forward and support disadvantaged communities through such initiatives.”
Syeda Farhana Yeasmin, Chief Operating Officer and Founding Member of MASTUL Foundation, said,“The goal of the ‘Zakat Self-Reliance’ program is not merely to provide immediate financial assistance, but to create opportunities through which beneficiaries can build sustainable sources of income and secure a better future for their families. Based on their individual needs and capabilities, beneficiaries are being supported in engaging in various income-generating activities, including small businesses, tailoring, livestock rearing, and agricultural work.”
She further said, “We want today’s assistance to become a sustainable source of income for the beneficiaries in the future. To achieve this, they are being provided with necessary guidance on the proper use of funds, savings, investment, and income generation. We will continue our efforts to remain by their side in the future as well.”
During the assistance distribution ceremony, cash support was handed over to the beneficiaries along with necessary guidance on the proper utilization of funds, developing savings habits, investment, and future planning. Representatives of Mastul Foundation assured the beneficiaries of regular guidance and necessary support so that they can become self-reliant in the long term.
Local elected representatives, senior administrative officials, distinguished members of the community, media representatives, and local residents attended the event. The guests appreciated the ‘Zakat Self-Reliance’ program and said that such initiatives can play a positive role in strengthening the economic capacity of marginalized communities and contributing to poverty reduction.
At the end of the event, best wishes were extended to the beneficiaries for successful and dignified lives.
The organizers also called upon financially capable members of society to come forward and contribute to poverty alleviation and humanitarian initiatives.
Mastul Foundation is a government-registered, non-profit, non-political, and voluntary humanitarian organization in Bangladesh, registered with the NGO Affairs Bureau under the Prime Minister’s Office.
For more than a decade, the organization has been working for the welfare of disadvantaged people and children. Its notable initiatives include burial services during the COVID-19 pandemic; relief distribution during the floods of 2022, 2024, and 2026; nationwide tree plantation campaigns; employment and livelihood opportunities through the ‘Zakat Self-Reliance’ program; tube-well installation; mosque reconstruction; and the ‘Mehmankhana’ initiative, which provides free meals every day at various locations across Dhaka.
The foundation has also provided international humanitarian assistance in response to the earthquake in Türkiye and humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan. In Hazaribagh, Dhaka, the organization operates its own madrasa, shelter home, and orphanage.
According to applicable National Board of Revenue (NBR) regulations, donations, Zakat, or Sadaqah provided to Mastul Foundation are eligible for applicable income tax benefits for donors.Gazette: mastul.net/gov-tax-rebate
