photo : BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Aug 29, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Religious Affairs Mohammad Shamim Kaiser said the imams are expected to instill among the people in their neighbourhoood alongside leading routine prayers in mosques.

“Imams should not limit themselves to leading prayers; rather, they should aspire to be leaders of the pious,” he told an event at Chattogram Imam Training Academy auditorium.

The junior minister added in delivering that role the imams, however were needed exemplify honesty, integrity and good deeds in their own lives and equip them with wisdom and knowledge.

Kaisar said leadership exists in society in various forms but all of them require setting positive examples for the community.

"As imams provide religious and moral guidance, their conduct, speech, and actions should serve as a model for others to follow,” he said.

Kaisar said Allah Almighty bestowed upon mankind numerous blessings, such as sight, auditory capacity, intellect, and conscience and “yet many individuals fail to adequately express their gratitude for these gifts".

He noted the academy remained underutilized and added an assessment would be conducted to determine the feasibility of repurposing unused areas for public benefit and training initiatives.

The state minister said the unused space of the facility could provide accommodation and training services for Hajj pilgrims from Chattogram and its neighboring regions.

Islamic Foundation Chattogram Division director Mostafa Mansur Alam Khan presided over event joined by officials, Islamic scholars, and ulamas.