Dhaka, March 7 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday said that the government has taken steps to make the zakat management system more effective and targeted, noting that zakat can play an important role in poverty alleviation if it is distributed in a planned and organised way.

"Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. I would like to share with you a plan regarding zakat management in the country. According to Islamic teachings, many wealthy people in our society pay zakat on their own initiative. Some also pay their zakat through the government's Zakat Board," he said.

If zakat is distributed in a planned and organised manner can make a significant contribution to reducing poverty, the Prime Minister said at an iftar mahfil ...