The Chairman of the National Board of Zakat of Indonesia (BAZNAS), Prof. Dr. H. Bambang Sudibyo visited the D-8 Secretariat along with his delegation on 26 September 2018.

During his visit he expressed positive views about the D-8 organization and said he looks forward to establishing a strong partnership between his board and the organization.  He informed the Secretary-General about how BAZNAS is working for the benefit of mankind and expressed willingness to share their expertise and experience in ZAKAT collection and distribution with D-8 Member States. He described D-8-member States as the biggest and most populous countries of the Islamic world with a potential of annual Zakat Collection up to 4.5 per cent of their GDP. This is massive and if properly channeled to address needy people’s requirements, we could able to eradicate poverty in the Islamic world.

Prof. Dr. sudibyo also informed the Secretary-General that four Member States of D-8, namely Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and Nigeria are currently working with BAZNAS. He expressed strong desire to work with the remaining ones, namely Egypt, Iran, Pakistan and Turkey.

The Secretary-General appreciated BAZNAS and Prof. Dr. Sudibyo’s efforts and assured him of his support. He requested the Chairman to send formal invitation for the remaining Member States of D-8 to join BAZNAS.