Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad spoke as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of a month-long Islamic Book Fair at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Feb 23, 2026 (BSS) - Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad today said the expansion of Islamic education is crucial for lasting peace and moral values in the society.

Acquiring proper knowledge of the holy Qur’an and Hadith can bring positive changes in personal, family and state life, he said while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of a month-long Islamic Book Fair at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque here. 

Islamic Foundation Bangladesh (IFB) organized the fair.

The minister said that in order to understand Islam properly, it is essential to acquire in-depth knowledge of the Qur’an and Hadith. 

The Islamic Book Fair creates an opportunity for readers to collect translations and tafsir of the Holy Qur’an, Hadith compilations and original and research-based works on various aspects of Islam, he added.

He expressed the hope that the fair would play a supportive role in promoting Islamic scholarship and building a value-based society.
Praising the overall management of the Islamic Foundation, he said that action would be taken against those who had been involved in wrongdoing, oppression and injustice within the institution in the past. 

He also stressed that no opportunity would be allowed to misuse religion or conduct business in its name.

Highlighting the importance of maintaining the country’s ongoing democratic process and a discrimination-free environment, the minister sought cooperation from all for the good health of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and for the country’s stability. 

He also called upon all to uphold trust and responsibility toward the leadership.

Director General of the Islamic Foundation A. Salam Khan presided over the function. Religious Affairs Secretary Md. Kamal Uddin spoke as a special guest at the function. Directors of the Islamic Foundation Board of Governors including Maulana Syed Mosaddek Billah Al-Madani and Maulana Shah Nosorul Haque, were present, among others.

Later, the Religious Affairs Minister formally inaugurated the fair by cutting a ribbon and visited different stalls.

Organizers said a total of 61 stalls have been set up in the month-long fair. Visitors can find translations and tafsir of the Qur’an, Hadith collections and books on various Islamic subjects.

Books at the Islamic Foundation stall are available at a 40 percent commission rate, with additional discounts on selected titles. The fair will remain open to the public every day from 11:00am to 8:00pm.