Photo: BSS

SUNAMGANJ, March 5, 2026 (BSS) - Residents of Bishwambharpur upazila in Sunamganj have demanded government intervention to renovate and preserve a historic mosque in Muktikhala–Mallikpur village, which was built in the architectural style of the Taj Mahal.

The three-domed mosque, locally known as Shahi Jame Mosque, stands on the banks of the vast Khushdar Haor, an area famous for its scenic natural beauty. During the monsoon season, the haor transforms into an endless stretch of water, attracting visitors who come to enjoy the picturesque surroundings from local haor luxury boats.

According to local residents, the mosque was constructed more than 80 years ago by wealthy villagers who wanted to build a structure reflecting traditional craftsmanship and the aesthetic beauty of the Taj Mahal. The construction date engraved on the mosque wall reads 15-09-1356 (Bengali calendar).

Bank officer Tajul Islam said the mosque was built with the financial support of affluent community members and cost around Taka 45–50 lakh at the time. Skilled craftsmen from Old Dhaka were brought in to complete the intricate interior designs and artistic work inside the mosque.

However, over time the building has suffered structural damage. Cracks appeared in parts of the mosque following an earthquake, and stones installed in the dome were removed due to fears of collapse.

Village elders Gias Uddin and Abduz Zahur said the mosque is an important historical structure and urged the government to bring it under official protection like other heritage sites across the country.

Mosque committee president Tajul Islam said the community feels proud of the mosque built by their ancestors but lacks the resources to properly restore it.

“This mosque is the only place of prayer for Muslims in the area. Without it, people would have to travel several kilometers to the upazila headquarters or nearby villages to offer prayers,” he said, adding that administrative support is essential for its renovation.

Mosque Imam Maulana Abul Qasem said prominent scholars including the late Maulana Mushihur Rahman Sadi and Maulana Abdur Rashid Baraghati regularly led prayers at the mosque in the past. He added that the mosque now needs expansion as the existing space is insufficient for worshippers.

Retired Sergeant Ziaur Rahman, a resident of Muktikhala–Mallikpur village, described the mosque as the central place of worship for the community. He also highlighted recent improvements in education in the village, which now has one primary school and three madrasas, with many students continuing their studies in schools and colleges in nearby Bishwambharpur.

He added that the upazila has undergone visible development in recent years. During the tenure of former UNO Sadiur Rahim Jadid, several beautification projects were implemented, including haor villas, Boal Chattar at Current Market, and Liberation War memorial sculptures in Palash and Bishwambharpur, along with improvements to markets and public spaces.

Local residents believe that if the historic mosque is renovated and properly preserved, it could become an attractive landmark for visitors while continuing to serve the religious needs of the community.