Dhaka, Feb. 23 -- Commerce adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has said it is possible to build a discrimination-free society through Islamic finance that will help the poor become economically self-reliant gradually.

It will be a sustainable development model to help realise the vision of a New Bangladesh, according to him.

Citing a UNDP report that 41.7-million people of Bangladesh live under abject poverty, with 13-per cent people sleeping with starvation and 18.7 million having food insecurity, he says proper distribution of wealth and elimination of inequality from society are possible through proper distribution of zakat.

"After July revolution, people have a dream to see the country free from exploitation, discrimination and poverty, an...