The government has formed a 12-member oversight committee to regulate the handling of donations at the Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) shrine, seeking to introduce greater transparency and accountability following recent controversy over the management of the shrine's donation funds.

The decision was taken at a meeting on the shrine's management and development at the Sylhet Circuit House on Friday, chaired by Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir.

Speaking after the meeting, Muktadir said all stakeholders had agreed that the shrine's financial management required a transparent and accountable system. The newly formed committee has been tasked with preparing a practical framework within one month.

"The committee will determine the way forward after considering the views of all stakeholders. Our objective is transparency and accountability," the minister said.

The committee is headed by Muktadir and includes Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury, Sylhet Development Authority Administrator Rezaul Hasan Lodi, Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Moshiur Rahman, District Council Administrator Abul Kaher Shamim, the deputy inspector general of Sylhet Range Police, the commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police, two representatives from the shrine's Mutawalli (custodian) family, and two members from the shrine's madrasa and mosque. The Sylhet deputy commissioner will serve as member secretary.

Until a new mechanism is finalised, donations will continue to be counted under the existing rules, with the funds deposited in a bank account overseen by the district administration, Muktadir said.

The meeting came amid public controversy over the locking of the shrine's donation boxes, which triggered debate over how contributions should be managed.

Addressing the issue, the commerce minister said the government had no interest in revisiting past disputes, but was focused on building consensus for a durable solution.

"One approach is to act alone; another is to bring everyone on board. The government has chosen the path of consensus, transparency and broad participation," he said.

Participants also discussed preserving the centuries-old shrine's heritage, strengthening its management practices and ensuring future development initiatives are implemented in a more coordinated and widely accepted manner.

The meeting was attended by political leaders, senior government officials, elected representatives and members of the shrine authority.