Our next discussion will be on Zakat practices of Islamic banks of Bangladesh and their implications on Shareholders and depositors. The objective of the discussion is to explore a few important questions like the following:
Are the Islamic banks liable to pay Zakat? If yes, then why not all the Islamic banks in Bangladesh do so? Those who pay Zakat, what are the methodologies they use, and are they aligned with the right understanding of financial reporting and rulings on Zakat? Shall the shareholders bear additional Zakat responsibility for their shareholding if the bank pays Zakat? What will be the implications for the depositors if a bank pays Zakat? Would it be a right policy decision if a bank takes the Zakat responsibility of their depositors? So on.
The Keynote Presenter is an Islamic banker, prolific writer, has a strong background in Shariah and economics, and has done research on the subject matter. One of the discussants has a strong background in Shariah, Islamic finance, and is an academic with a high reputation. The other discussant is well known. He is an Islamic banker, Islamic finance thinker, writer, and Zakat consultant. The moderator has done a few applied research on the subject matter of the discussion.
We hope that the discussion will not only provide some insights on a very important topic, but also will bring forth new questions that the BAFF members may consider exploring further.