Al-Arafah Islami Bank, one of Bangladesh’s foremost Shariah-compliant financial institutions, has launched a 10-day Iftar distribution programme aimed at supporting fasting individuals on the streets during the holy month of Ramadan, according to a press release from the bank.
The initiative was inaugurated on Sunday, 1 March 2026, at the bank’s head office by Mohd. Rafat Ullah Khan, Managing Director and CEO of Al-Arafah Islami Bank. The ceremony was attended by several senior officials, including Deputy Managing Directors Md. Fazlur Rahman, Md. Asaduzzaman Bhuiyan, Md. Aminul Islam Bhuiyan, Mohammed Hossain, and S.M. Abu Jafar.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Khan emphasised the deeper values of Ramadan, noting: “Ramadan teaches self-purification, restraint, compassion, and the spirit of welfare. Standing by underprivileged and marginalised members of society is an integral expression of these values. Through this 10-day Iftar distribution programme, we aim to extend support to those who need it most.”
The programme provides Iftar meals daily to street children, rickshaw pullers, daily wage earners, commuters, and other low-income individuals at strategically selected locations across Dhaka. Distribution points have been chosen to ensure maximum reach, allowing thousands of people to benefit from this humanitarian effort each day.
The bank has stated that this initiative will progressively cover additional areas of the capital over the 10-day period. Alongside its Shariah-based banking services, Al-Arafah Islami Bank is recognised for actively engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes, encompassing education, healthcare, disaster relief, and humanitarian aid.
Iftar Distribution Plan Overview
| Day | Target Beneficiaries | Locations (Dhaka) | Estimated Recipients per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Street children, rickshaw pullers | Motijheel, Gulistan | 3,000 |
| 4–6 | Commuters, low-income workers | Dhanmondi, Mirpur | 2,500 |
| 7–10 | Mixed public, marginalised communities | Karwan Bazar, Jatrabari | 3,500 |
This initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to social welfare, embodying the ethical principles of Islamic finance while actively contributing to the wellbeing of society during one of the most significant months of the Islamic calendar.
By combining financial services with tangible humanitarian efforts, Al-Arafah Islami Bank continues to set a benchmark for responsible banking in Bangladesh.