The government has taken measures to strengthen mosque staffing nationwide and resolve long-standing pay disparities among imams and muezzins. A new policy, published in a supplementary Bangladesh Gazette on January 19 and confirmed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, places mosque imams, muezzins, and caretakers under various grades of the National Pay Scale 2015. Senior pesh imams are in Grade 5, pesh imams Grade 6, imams Grade 9, chief muezzins Grade 10, general muezzins Grade 11, chief caretakers Grade 15, general caretakers Grade 16, and guards and cleaners Grade 20, while khatibs’ pay will be determined through contracts with mosque committees.
The policy introduces strict codes of conduct, including political neutrality and discipline, and requires a seven-member selection committee for all appointments. It adds security and cleaning positions, separate prayer spaces for women, and expands mosque management committees to 15 members. Disputes can be appealed within 30 days, with a three-member committee led by the Deputy Commissioner resolving implementation issues. The 2025 policy replaces the 2006 Mosque Management Policy.
