The newly elected government of Bangladesh has announced a monthly allowance for religious clergy, marking the first initiative of its kind in the Muslim-majority country’s history. However, a Catholic bishop has indicated that the Church will decline the funds, citing concerns about possible political pressure.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting on Feb. 21 chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Speaking to journalists afterward, government adviser Mahdi Amin said the proposal fulfills one of the ruling party’s election promises to provide a monthly honorarium and festival allowance to religious leaders from mosques and other faith communities.
While the exact amount of the allowance has not been disclosed, Amin said implementation would begin in selected areas before Eid al-Fitr, expected in the third week of March.
The announcement represents a significant policy shift, as Bangladesh has not previously provided direct monthly financial support to clergy across religious traditions.
Christians make up a small minority in the country of approximately 170 million people, numbering around 600,000. According to the 2019 Bangladesh Catholic Directory, there are 119 parishes and 52 sub-parishes across eight dioceses. The directory lists 233 diocesan priests and 176 missionary priests serving in Bangladesh, many of whom are engaged not only in parish ministry but also in education, healthcare, and youth formation.
Church leaders have expressed concern that accepting state funding could compromise the Church’s independence and moral voice.
