The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Tuesday recommended formulating a policy on electricity use by mosques across the country and taking up rooftop solar power projects at mosques.

The recommendations were made at the first meeting of the committee of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, held at the Parliament complex with committee chairman Rafiqul Islam Jamal in the chair.

The committee also recommended formulating a policy on people who go on Hajj at government expenses.

It further recommended the quick transfer of doctors and other officials and employees who have been working at the same hospitals and missions under the Islamic Foundation for a long period, aiming to ensure better public service.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Holy Quran was recited and officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Parliament Secretariat introduced themselves to the committee members.

The meeting was briefed through PowerPoint presentations on the activities of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and its subordinate offices and agencies.

The committee was informed about Hajj management, the Islamic Foundation, Bangladesh Waqf Administration, Hindu Religious Welfare Trust, Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust and Christian Religious Welfare Trust.

The presentations also covered the implementation progress of the ministry’s 180-day action plan, manpower, budget, the vision and mission of its offices and agencies, their functions and notable achievements.

The committee was also briefed on the implementation of the government’s election manifestoes  and future plans of the ministry and its subordinate bodies.

Committee members and officials concerned attended the meeting.