The closing ceremony and prize distribution of the Sufi Welfare Foundation’s Kirat Competition 2024 took place yesterday, 20th June (Thursday), at the Abul Hossain Tarun Auditorium in Kumarkhali. The event followed a month-long Kirat competition held in Khoksa Upazila during the sacred month of Ramadan. The final round and prize distribution were held throughout the day.
The event was chaired by the Chairman of Sufi Welfare Foundation and information technology expert, Sufi Faruq Ibn Abubakar. The chief guest of the event was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kushtia-4, Bir Muktijoddha Abdur Rouf MP. The key speaker was former Cabinet Secretary and Chairman of the Isabela Foundation, Kabir Bin Anwar.
Special guests included the President of Kushtia District Awami League and Chairman of Kushtia District Council, Alhaj Sadar Uddin Khan; Vice-President of District Awami League and former Administrator of District Council, Bir Muktijoddha Zahid Hossain Jafar; President of Kumarkhali Upazila Awami League and Upazila Chairman, Alhaj Abdul Mannan Khan; former General Secretary of Kumarkhali Upazila Awami League, Altaf Mahmud; Office Secretary of Upazila Awami League, Asadur Rahman Asha; President of Municipal Awami League, Abdul Razzak Khan; and Awami League leader Zakaria Khan James. The event was conducted by Abdus Salam, a Lecturer at Kumarkhali Women’s College.
In the competition, students performed recitations from the Holy Qur’an, including Kirat, Ghazal, Hamd, and Naat. A total of 72 winners were awarded cash prizes, Qur’an Sharif, and certificates.
Students from various madrasas in the 20 unions and two municipalities of Kumarkhali-Khoksa participated. The first-place winners received 10,000 Taka, second-place winners received 7,000 Taka, and third-place winners received 5,000 Taka. Additionally, eight judges were honoured with appreciation plaques from the Sufi Welfare Foundation.
In his speech, MP Abdur Rouf said, “The Chairman of Sufi Welfare Foundation, Sufi Faruq Ibn Abubakar, has always worked for the welfare of people. This Kirat competition is one such initiative. Through their participation in this event, students have engaged in intellectual competition and developed their capabilities. This competition has contributed to their social and cultural development. It has also helped boost their confidence and courage, which is vital for their future.”
Key speaker Kabir Bin Anwar expressed, “Islam first spread in Bangladesh through the Muslim merchant community, and its expansion was made possible by the relentless efforts and sincere dedication of Sufi saints. Sufis arrived in Bengal from regions such as Arabia, Yemen, Iraq, Iran, Khorasan, Central Asia, and North India, and made an unforgettable contribution to the propagation of Islam. Many Hindus and members of other communities embraced Islam, inspired by their noble character. I extend my appreciation to Sufi Welfare Foundation for this remarkable initiative.”
Chairman Sufi Faruq Ibn Abubakar shared his thoughts, saying, “Allah has instructed us to read, but instead of reading, we have emphasised listening. This has led to confusion, division, and disorientation among Muslims. Many superstitions and erroneous beliefs have been attached to Islam, which have no foundation in the Qur’an or its teachings.” He also quoted from the Qur’an, emphasizing the importance of reading and gaining knowledge: “Read in the name of your Lord who created you” (Surah Al-Alaq: 1).
Sufi Welfare Foundation remains committed to being by your side, “Insha’Allah.” We hope to organise such events on an even larger scale in the future and ask for your prayers in this regard.
Winners from Kumarkhali Upazila:
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First Place: Khadija Khatun, Sadipur Alim Madrasa
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Second Place: Abu Bakr, Sadarpur Madrasa
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Third Place: Abu Sayeed, Jabal-e-Nur Rasnibahar Hafizia Madrasa
Winners from Khoksa Upazila:
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First Place: Yasin Hossain, Somspur Hafizia Madrasa
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Second Place: Amir Hamza, Moragacha Hafizia Madrasa
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Third Place: Mahabbat Ali, Betbariya Hafizia Madrasa
Winners from Bagulat Union:
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First Place: Alif Sheikh, Bhruiyapara Hafizia Madrasa
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Second Place: Mustak Hossain, Sufia Mohiuddin Qawmi Madrasa, Nitailpara
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Third Place: Shawkat Ali, Sufia Mohiuddin Qawmi Madrasa, Nitailpara
Winners from Panti Union:
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First Place: Abu Sayeed, Jabal-e-Nur Rasnibahar Hafizia Madrasa
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Second Place: Jihadul Islam, Panti Hafizia Madrasa
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Third Place: Mirajul Islam, Panti Hafizia Madrasa
Other Union Winners:
The full list of winners from various unions and municipal areas, including Chandpur Union, Chapra Union, Yadubayra Union, Kaya Union, Shilaidah Union, Nandlalpur Union, Jognathpur Union, and others, were recognised with awards at the event.