PM inaugurates 50 new model mosques as part of ambitious project to construct 564 district and upazila-level costing Tk 9,435 Crore
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated 50 newly constructed model mosques and Islamic cultural centers across the country in the fifth phase of the project on 30th July 2023. With these additions, a total of 250 mosques have now been completed as part of the government’s extensive plan to construct 564 district and upazila-level model mosques, amounting to a total cost of Tk 9,435 crore, spanning the entire nation.
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The prime minister conducted the inauguration through a virtual ceremony, directly from her official residence, Ganabhaban. At the event, a video documentary featuring the model mosques and Islamic cultural centers was presented to the audience. The program was moderated by Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary, Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah. The occasion witnessed the active participation of local lawmakers, public representatives, leaders from political parties, government officials, alem-ulama (religious scholars), as well as common people from Tungipara Upazila in Gopalganj district and Bishwanath Upazila of Sylhet district.
Where are the new 50 Model Mosques?
The 50 newly inaugurated mosques consist of the Magura district model mosque and 49 upazila model mosques. Among the 49 upazila model mosques, they are located in the following areas:
- Sreepur upazila of Gazipur district
- Karimganj and Hossainpur upazilas of Kishoreganj
- Harirampur and Daulatpur of Manikganj
- Damudiya of Shariatpur
- Tangail Sadar, Adamdighi, and Sonatala of Bogura
- Raninagar and Badalgachi and Sadar of Naogaon
- Chapainawabganj sadar
- Singra of Natore
- Bera, Ishwardi, and Sadar of Pabna
- Puthia and Durgapur of Rajshahi
- Palashbari of Gaibandha
- Nageshwari of Kurigram
- Birampur of Dinajpur
- Hatibandha of Lalmonirhat
- Mohonganj, Khaliajuri, and Sadar of Netrakona
- Dewanganj of Jamalpur
- Trishal of Mymensingh
- Barishal Sadar
- Doulatkhan of Bhola
- Nalchity of Jhalakathi
- Mathbaria of Pirojpur
- Sarail of Brahmanbaria
- Haimchar and Hajiganj of Chandpur
- Noakhali Sadar
- Nangalkot and Sadar of Cumilla
- Cox’s Bazar Sadar
- Satkania of Chattogram
- Chhagalnaiya of Feni
- Kawkhali, Naniarchar, and Rajasthali of Rangamati
- Phultala and Paikgasa of Khulna
- Magura Sadar
- Meherpur SadarGolapganj of Sylhet
During the inaugural event, Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila and Phultala of Khulna district were also connected.
Purpose of the project
The establishment of model mosques aims to provide guidance and inspiration to people, encouraging them to embrace the true teachings of Islam and gain a deeper understanding of its core principles. These mosques will serve as centers of knowledge, enlightening individuals about the rights and responsibilities prescribed in Islam for all members of society, regardless of their gender, caste, creed, or religion. Additionally, they will foster awareness and respect for inclusive development, socio-economic issues, and the collective responsibilities of individuals towards a harmonious and inclusive community.
Advocating communal harmony
Bangladesh, a Muslim majority and peace-loving country, embraces the principles of Islam, which promote tolerance towards other religions. It takes pride in being a nation of communal harmony, where people peacefully practice their own religions. This essence of religious coexistence is enshrined as one of the fundamental principles in the Constitution of Bangladesh. The Model Masjids, being established throughout the country, are envisioned to become centers of Islamic excellence, fostering the spirit of unity and devotion in the nation.
Features of model mosque
The air-conditioned model mosques and Islamic cultural centres include separate places for ablution and prayers. Besides, there will be registration and preparation arrangements for hajj pilgrims, training centre for Imams, research centre and Islamic library, autism corner as well as arrangements for burial rites. Apart from that, there will be car parking facility, Hifzakhana, pre-primary education and Quran learning arrangement, conference room for Islamic cultural activities and Islamic dawat, Islamic book shop, boarding facility for local and foreign guests along with the mosques.
Spacious 4-story mosques with elevators
The Model Masjid and Islamic Cultural Centers are being built in three different categories.
Category A includes the construction of 69 four-storey mosques in 64 districts and city corporation areas. These mosques, equipped with elevators, will have a spacious floor area of 2,360.09 square meters each.
In Category B, a total of 475 mosques are being built, with a generous floor space of 1,680.14 square meters for each mosque.
Under Category C, there will be 16 mosques constructed in coastal areas, each with a floor space of 2,052.12 square meters.
Among the total of 564 Model Masjids, 250 have already been completed and inaugurated. The inauguration took place in four different phases, with 50 mosques opened by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in each phase. The first phase occurred on June 10, 2021, followed by the second phase on January 16, 2023, the third phase on March 16, 2023, and the fourth phase on April 17, 2023.
The construction of the remaining model mosques and Islamic cultural centers is projected to be completed by June 2024.
