Staff reporter: MASTUL Foundation has strongly protested against a report published in the English daily The Daily Sun (March 6 and 7), which was later replicated by the online portal Chattogram Protidin. The organization claims that the report contains baseless, misleading, and unverified allegations intended to damage its reputation.

At a press conference held today at the National Press Club, MASTUL Foundation presented its official position along with supporting evidence to clarify the facts before the public.

The organization stated that MASTUL Foundation has been working for more than a decade with transparency and integrity, aiming to support underprivileged communities. It is one of Bangladesh’s leading charitable organizations, operating in full compliance with government regulations and the laws of the NGO Affairs Bureau.

In response to the misleading claims made in The Daily Sun, the Foundation outlined its position as follows:
Transparency and Accountability
MASTUL Foundation sets a strong example of transparency by regularly publishing annual audit reports. It is a nationally recognized organization registered with the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies (RJSC), and the NGO Affairs Bureau.

The Foundation has also received a special SRO certificate from the National Board of Revenue (NBR), allowing donors to receive tax rebates on donations and zakat contributions. Additionally, with approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Foundation carries out sensitive humanitarian work such as the burial of unclaimed bodies.

Registered Microcredit Activities
The Foundation’s micro-investment program is formally registered with the Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA) under the Ministry of Finance (License No: 2021001483). This program, titled the Economic Development Program, is based on Qard al-Hasanah (interest-free loans), aimed at empowering financially disadvantaged individuals to become self-reliant through small business investments.
The goal is not temporary relief, but long-term poverty alleviation through sustainable economic empowerment.

Separate Financial Structures
The Foundation maintains completely separate administrative and financial structures for zakat funds and micro-investment programs. According to audit reports, there is no mixing of funds.
Zakat funds are strictly utilized in Shariah-compliant sectors such as orphanages, madrasas, elderly care homes, guest houses, and zakat-based self-reliance projects.

Audit and Financial Integrity
Each year, the Foundation’s financial statements are audited by reputable independent audit firms. These reports are shared with donors, well-wishers, and members, and are also submitted to the relevant government authorities.
International Operations For humanitarian aid sent to Gaza (Palestine) and Sudan, MASTUL Foundation has strictly followed all government rules and regulations. Relevant authorities including Bangladesh Bank, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Home Affairs have been duly informed through official correspondence. Official money receipts from respective embassies have also been properly documented and preserved.

Governance Structure
The Foundation’s Board of Directors operates in accordance with a constitution approved by the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies (RJSC). All board members, their positions, and appointment processes are clearly documented in official records submitted to the RJSC.

The claim of “family dominance” is legally unfounded, as any qualified individual can serve on the board. All members are established professionals contributing to society.

Journalistic Ethics and Organizational Position,It is unfortunate that the reporter of The Daily Sun did not …