Religious Affairs Adviser Dr A F M Khalid Hossain inaugurates Natore Model Mosque, Islamic Cultural Center to promote prayer and values. Photo : BSS

NATORE, Dec 10, 2025 (BSS) – Religious Affairs Adviser Dr A F M Khalid Hossain today said that increasing the number of mosques encourages more people to offer prayers, which in turn contributes to reducing crime in society.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the Natore District Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Center this morning.

Mentioning that construction of 350 model mosques has already been completed across the country, the adviser said that the establishment of model mosques will foster the practice of Islamic culture and values at the grassroots and in rural areas. 

He added, “We want to build a Namaj (prayer)-oriented society. Prayer restrains people from wrongdoing, which ultimately reduces crime in society.”

The Adviser further said the government has built the model mosques and now intends to operate them under public-private partnership, engaging communities in their management. 

“We have built these facilities, and now we want people’s participation in their operation,” he said.

He assured that any defects or discrepancies in the construction would be rectified. People have been asked to notify the Deputy Commissioner or the Public Works Department if any issues are identified. 
Complications regarding electricity connections to the mosques will also be resolved promptly, he said.

With Project Director Md Shahidul Alam in the chair, the ceremony was also addressed by Superintendent of Police of Natore Muhammad Abdul Wahab.

The Adviser later inaugurated the Natore Sadar Upazila Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Center, and the Gurudaspur Upazila Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Center.

The Religious Affairs Ministry is implementing project titled “Construction of 560 Model Mosques and Islamic Cultural Centers” in every district and upazila.

A district-level and two upazila-level model mosques and Islamic cultural centers have been constructed in Natore at a cost of Tk 46.77 crore, implemented by the Public Works Department to enhance Islamic education and research activities at the grassroots.

Later, the Adviser attended as the chief guest at a prayer and teaching session on “Bukhari Sharif” at Al-Jamiatun Nuria Madrasa in Natore town.