Traditional Approaches to Zakat Fund Management in Bangladesh: An Analysis of Mechanisms, Constraints, And Countermeasures

Abstract

The paper investigates the traditional modes of Zakat fund management in Bangladesh, their operational processes, prevailing constraints, and possible countermeasures. Embedded in Islamic values and socio-cultural norms, traditional Zakat institutions continue to play an important role in poverty reduction and community welfare. The research uses a qualitative approach, namely thematic content analysis, to analyze secondary data obtained from academic literature, government reports, institutional publications, and media sources. The study, through its analysis, identifies major collection and distribution mechanisms, management practices, and systemic weaknesses—such as inefficiency, lack of transparency, and poor public awareness—that undermine the effectiveness of Zakat as a means of achieving social justice. The study underscores the importance of structured policies, enhanced accountability, modern management tools, and community-based strategies to augment the outreach of traditional Zakat mechanisms. This paper provides important implications for policymakers, Islamic financial institutions, and community leaders interested in streamlining Zakat governance within a traditional setup.