The Role of NGOs and the Corporate Sector in Poverty Alleviation

A day-long conference titled “Zakat Conference 2026: The Role of NGOs and the Corporate Sector in Poverty Alleviation” will be held on 7 February 2026 (Saturday) at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital. The event is being jointly organized by Mastul Foundation and Al Zakat Sadaqah Foundation.

According to the organizers, the conference aims to transform zakat into an effective social and economic development mechanism by focusing on the participation, experience, and practical implementation of NGOs and the corporate sector. Despite the significant potential of zakat, its desired impact on poverty alleviation has not yet been fully realized. In this context, the conference will emphasize integrating zakat management with the managerial efficiency, transparency, and corporate social responsibility initiatives of NGOs and corporate institutions.

Key discussion topics will include effective zakat-based models for poverty reduction, transparency and accountability in zakat collection and distribution, impact assessment, and coordinated initiatives between zakat organizations, NGOs, and corporate entities.

The conference is expected to be attended by prominent Islamic scholars, government officials, representatives from national and international NGOs, development experts, corporate leaders, academics, and social activists.

Organizers expressed optimism that the conference will enhance NGO and corporate sector engagement in zakat management and contribute to building an effective framework for sustainable poverty alleviation.

Mohammad Kamruzzaman, Convener of the Organizing Committee, said, “Zakat is not merely an act of worship,it is a powerful instrument for poverty alleviation and social development. Through this conference, we aim to encourage the participation and collaboration of NGOs and the corporate sector to establish an effective zakat management system.”

MASTUL Foundation is a renowned national humanitarian organization registered with the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. For over a decade, it has been working to improve the lives of underprivileged people and children across the country. Since 2012, the foundation has been providing humanitarian services within Bangladesh, and since 2023, internationally as well.
MASTUL Foundation gained international recognition for its rapid emergency response during the Gaza crisis in 2024 and the Sudan crisis in 2025 by delivering food, clean water, and medical supplies. Within Bangladesh, its sustainable poverty alleviation initiatives are highly notable, including education support, vocational and skills training, and its successful “Zakat Swabalambi” (Zakat for Self-Reliance) project, which creates long-term employment and promotes self-reliance. The foundation also provides free daily meals to the underprivileged and is developing a Shelter Home Complex for orphans and the elderly, reflecting its long-term humanitarian commitment. Donations, zakat, and sadaqah given to MASTUL Foundation are income tax-exempt under the regulations of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and qualify donors for tax rebates.