Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain. File Photo

CHATTOGRAM, Oct 12, 2025 (BSS) - Religious Affairs Advisor Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain announced that the historic Andarkilla Shahi Jame Mosque in Chattogram will undergo a transformation into a stunning and iconic mosque. 

The government and devotees will collaborate to fund the project, which is estimated to be Tk 300 crore.

Dr. Hossain stated, "The construction of the mosque will commence today with the laying of the foundation stone."

He made the remarks as the chief guest during the foundation stone laying ceremony for the reconstruction project of Andarkilla Shahi Jame Mosque in Chattogram city this afternoon.

The adviser announced that the Ministry of Religious Affairs will initially allocate Tk 10 crore for the mosque's construction. The mosque's construction will be completed by mobilising funds from various individuals in Chattogram, he added. 

Dr. Hossain expressed confidence in the generosity of the people of Chattogram and believed that with their support, Andarkilla Shahi Jame Mosque would become an iconic one. 

He assured that the ministry would offer as much assistance as possible for the mosque's development.

The religious advisor expressed his deep connection to the mosque, having prayed there since childhood. He believed that by presenting the project effectively to organizations and countries within the OIC, they can garner positive support. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has pledged full assistance for this endeavor.

He highlighted the impressive design of the mosque, emphasizing that it will accommodate 14,000 worshippers simultaneously. Additionally, the mosque will feature dedicated prayer areas for the disabled, a market, an auditorium, housing for the Khadem-Muazzins, and other essential facilities. 
 
The religious adviser highlighted two key issues. Firstly, the mosque's site is encroached upon and has been designated as a World Heritage Archaeological Monument by the government. 

However, due to unplanned construction, the mosque is not visible from the outside. Therefore, a new mosque needs to be built while preserving the existing structure.

Even if the current mosque becomes unsuitable for prayers, it must be safeguarded. The mosque cannot be demolished. The new mosque should be designed in a way that allows worshippers to see the Imam while offering prayers, preserving the World Heritage status and enhancing the mosque's beauty.

Abdus Salam Khan, Director General of the Islamic Foundation presided over the function while Shahjahan Chowdhury, General Secretary of the Mosque Committee and former MP, gave the welcome speech. City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain addressed the function as special guest speaker.

Additional Divisional Commissioner Nurullah Nuri, Andarkilla Shahi Jame Mosque Khatib Allama Syed Anwar Hossain Taher Jaberi Al Madani, Daily Azadi Editor MA Malek, and Mosque Committee President Alhaj Salauddin Kashem Khan were present, among others,