Zakat tragedy : Analysing it objectively
We are always ready to jump into easy conclusions. Sure it was indeed hugely disturbing to note that 27 people were killed in a stampede as many people gathered to receive zakat from a businessman in Mymensingh. As the news of the deaths filtered outside everybody, particularly in the social media, were outraged and demanded instant action against the owner of the well-known chewing tobacco company. Later, the man in question and a few others were arrested and murder charges were brought against them.
Well, it is upon the court to decide whether the arrested persons were guilty as charged or not, clearly there is a need to take an in-depth look into the matter. And also into the whole process of zakat giving itself needs a thorough evaluation. Reports suggest that the man in question earlier had distributed zakat cards to about 500 people. The latter were asked to come and collect their zakat items in an orderly manner. However at the designated time many more than the intended 500 had gathered at the place. They tried to break in, the security guards reportedly used their batons to stop them and the gruesome
stampede resulted.
One thing is obvious. The owner of the chewing tobacco company was not solely responsible for what happened. However, he should have informed the police and the local administration so that they would help the event to run smoothly. Quite clearly the management skills of his employees leave a lot to be desired.
The incident also shows how desperate a section of the people in Bangladesh still is for a lungi or a saree. Also in such situations there are always opportunity seekers who are keen to take advantage and deprive the deserving candidates for zakat. Let this incident be a lesson for both zakat givers and receivers. If anyone wants to give zakat to hundreds of people they must ensure adequate security measures.
Unfortunately no effective institutional framework has been built with enough credibility and transparency to mobilise zakat money and spend it on projects that are undertaken as per the dictates of the Holy Quran and the Hadith. Institutionalising zakat distribution will put an end to such unfortunate incidents but also help the country as a whole. The authorities can think of establishing a zakat fund which has great potential as an engine of poverty alleviation.
