Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday proposed an allocation of Tk1,081 crore in the FY2026-27 budget to improve the social status and living standards of religious leaders and support various religious welfare programmes.

Presenting the national budget in Parliament, the minister said the government believes in unity and equality rather than religious division and has undertaken a range of initiatives to fulfil its commitments related to religious harmony and welfare.

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These initiatives include ensuring religious freedom and harmony, promoting moral values and ethics, improving the living standards of religious leaders, strengthening the Religious Welfare Trust, facilitating the smooth performance of Hajj, expanding Islamic research and mass education programmes, and promoting religious and moral values in society.

Khosru said the government took steps immediately after assuming office to improve the social and economic conditions of religious leaders.

Under the programme, Imams, Muezzins and Khatibs of mosques are receiving a combined monthly allowance of Tk10,000, while priests and caretakers of other religious institutions receive a combined monthly allowance of Tk8,000.

So far, monthly honorariums and festival allowances have been provided to 9,520 religious leaders serving at 6,438 religious institutions across the country, he said.

The government plans to gradually extend the benefit to all places of worship nationwide.

To support these initiatives, the finance minister proposed an allocation of Tk1,081 crore in the upcoming budget.

Highlighting efforts related to Waqf properties, he said 28.20 acres of land belonging to 11 Waqf estates have been recovered so far as part of ongoing drives to evict illegal occupants and reclaim encroached properties.

Khosru also said initiatives have been taken to reduce the cost of performing Hajj in 2026 and make Hajj management more affordable, accessible and efficient in the coming years.

Besides, the government plans to increase training opportunities for Imams and Muezzins in the years ahead, he added.