Giving Grace Foundation has formally commenced its journey with the aim of transforming Islamic social finance into an effective and sustainable tool for development through an institutional management framework, said a press release on Saturday.
The foundation seeks to alleviate poverty through the structured use of Zakat, Sadaqah, Waqf, and Qard Hasanah.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Dhaka on January 10, was attended by prominent Islamic scholars, economists, development practitioners, corporate leaders, professionals, and representatives of civil society.
Present on the stage at the inauguration ceremony were members of the Trustee Board and Advisory Board of Giving Grace Foundation — Sheikh Md Shafiqul Islam, Muhammad Rashid Al Majid Khan Siddiqui Mamun, Murtoza Zaman, Muhammad Junayadul Munir, Arif Bin Idrish, Kamruz Zaman, Md Zulfiker Ali Siddique, Asif Saad Bin Shams, Syed Sadique Reza, Reza Ahmed, and Arifur Rahman.
During the event, the vision, mission, and operational framework of Giving Grace Foundation were presented.
A panel discussion titled How to Advance the Zakat Movement in Bangladesh was also held, highlighting the need for transparent, structured, and impactful zakat management in the country’s context.
The discussion featured Omar Faruq, Abul Kalam Azad, and Shah Mohammad Wali Ullah.
Academics and speakers at the discussion noted that the estimated annual potential of zakat in Bangladesh is approximately Tk 1 lakh crore, yet only a small portion of this amount is managed through institutional channels. According to the speakers, planned and accountable zakat management can play a vital role in poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, livelihood development, and social protection.
The keynote address was delivered by Mohammad Ayub Miah, chairman of Sammilito Islami Bank. He stated that institutional zakat can create a sustainable and dignified pathway for poverty reduction.
The website of Giving Grace Foundation — www.givinggrace.org.bd — was also launched at the event. The foundation’s key programmes include healthcare, education, livelihood development, humanitarian assistance, and income-generating initiatives.
It was shared that through its activities, Giving Grace Foundation has already benefited 3,059 families, reaching a total of 11,426 individuals. The Foundation has supported 1,426 eye surgeries, provided primary healthcare services to 25,119 patients through four health centres, and assisted 72 critically ill patients through partner hospitals. In addition, 112 families are receiving support under the monthly food assistance programme, while 411 students are being supported through educational initiatives.
