Religion and Development in the Digital Age: A Policy Note on Waz Mahfils in Bangladesh

Abstract Bangladesh is witnessing a significant transformation within its religious landscape, particularly through the influence of digitally available Waz Mahfils . As digital media platforms like Facebook and YouTube extend the reach of these gatherings, they have grown in popularity, offering avenues for spiritual guidance and community development. However, this growth is not without its challenges. Waz Mahfils have been criticised for sometimes promoting religious intolerance and violence, highlighting the need for careful moderation and authentic leadership. Historically, the integration of religious perspectives into development practices has been limited, yet the unique platform provided by Waz Mahfils for engaging in discussions on crucial social issues suggests the potential for a more inclusive approach to development. This policy note focuses on harnessing the transformative potential of Waz Mahfils to foster social cohesion, development and a more inclusive society in Bangladesh. By outlining strategic recommendations that may leverage these religious gatherings for the broader good, the policy note seeks to ensure that religious expression serves as a cornerstone for progress and unity, contributing positively to Bangladesh’s development trajectory.