The Hon. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah

¶ 01 QUESTION BY PRIVATE NOTICE

¶ 02 Reactivation of deregistered Islamic charitable organizations.

¶ 03 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 04 Hon. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to raise a Question to the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs under Standing Order 27(2).

¶ 05 Hon. Minister, under your Ministry, the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs had, across the country, approximately 350 Islamic charitable organizations lawfully registered and functioning for decades—40 to 50 years in many cases. These organizations, working with mosques and community bodies across districts, made significant contributions to safeguarding religious observances, preserving culture, advancing youth and women, supporting education, sports and social services, and providing mediation and guidance to resolve community issues and maintain social harmony.

¶ 06 In 2019, pursuant to an instruction by the then Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, the registrations of these organizations were cancelled en masse. This was done without publishing any individual inquiry reports. The mass deregistration of about 350 organizations created administrative and legal difficulties and raised serious questions, doubts and anxieties within the Muslim community. Many social services were interrupted; education and cultural initiatives were affected; youth and sports activities were halted; social reconciliation actions declined. Citizens, particularly the Muslim community, faced difficulties in accessing assistance and achieving sustainable development.

¶ 07 If there were suspicions or allegations regarding a few organizations, those could have been investigated individually with appropriate legal action. But to cancel all registrations nationwide at once, without individual reasons or inquiries, is undemocratic and a great injustice to the Muslim community.

¶ 08 Accordingly, considering national interest and particularly the welfare and progress of the Muslim community, I humbly ask:

¶ 09 1. Do you acknowledge that in 2019 the registrations of approximately 350 Islamic charitable organizations were cancelled?

¶ 10 2. Are you prepared to take appropriate steps to reactivate the registrations of those deregistered organizations?

¶ 11 3. You are a Minister who works diligently. We, as the Muslim community, place trust in you and appreciate actions taken to resolve our issues. What steps have been taken thus far to restore the registrations of the deregistered Islamic charitable organizations?