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CHATTOGRAM, Aug 24, 2025 (BSS) – Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain said that a total of 257,400 acres of waqf land have been illegally encroached and proper measures are underway to recover these properties to utilise them for the greater welfare of society.

While briefing newsmen before a meeting on recovering occupied properties of waqf estates held at the local circuit house conference room, the adviser said that the news spread about the construction of a mosque on Sitakundu-Chandranath Hill is completely baseless and a rumour.

As Chandranath Hill is a historically and religiously important place in the country, the adviser said, “Such propaganda and smear campaigns are being carried out to malign the peaceful coexistence and harmonious environment of the country.”

Dr Khalid Hossain said the Waqf Administration has taken specific measures to safeguard, maintain, and effectively administer waqf properties throughout the country. Recently, routine monitoring operations have been initiated to deter irregularities and encroachments.

Dr Hossain said that the government is putting in all efforts to safeguard and enhance waqf properties to bring discipline and streamline the religiously important authority.

“Measures taken for digital registration of waqf properties are ensuring transparency in the rent and lease system, stopping illegal encroachments and increasing income to support expenditures on social welfare activities such as education, health, and mosque-madrasa development,” he stated, describing the government’s plan centring the waqf administration.

The Religious Affairs Adviser said waqf properties have been playing a significant role in supporting spiritual, educational, and welfare activities within the Muslim community.

The adviser mentioned that if Haj pilgrims were brought to and returned from Saudi Arabia through sea routes, the cost of the holy religious rituals would be reduced by 40 percent.

The adviser requested all quarters not to spread false information and create confusion to tarnish the country’s long tradition of inter-communal harmony.