Shariatpur's Ghatakhan Mosque. Photo: BSS

By Mujibur Rahman

SHARIATPUR, March 2, 2026 (BSS) - The historic 'Ghatakhan Paka Mosque' in 
Nalmuri union under Gosairhat upazila of the district continues to stand as a 
remarkable symbol of Muslim architectural achievement and philanthropy.

Located about 25 kilometers south of Shariatpur district town, the mosque was 
built in 1878 AD [Anno Domini] by Muslim landlord Golam Ali Chowdhury of 
Idilpur pargana. Constructed on one acre of land, the mosque complex includes 
a paved pond, a masonry ghat, and a graveyard enclosed by brick walls-an 
extraordinary feat for its time.

Local residents say that during that period, no one except Golam Ali 
Chowdhury could afford to build permanent brick (paka) structures in the 
area. Interestingly, while he constructed the mosque with durable materials, 
his own residence was reportedly made of clay. The mosque thus came to be 
known locally as the "Paka Mosque." It is currently known as Mia Bari Eidgah 
Jame Mosque.

A rock inscription at the mosque mentions Jamina Khatun, the late Mia 
Mohammad Asak Chowdhury Madre, Mia Golam Ali Chowdhury of Ghatakhan, Haturia, 
and dates back to 1231 Bangla (1878 AD).

According to local resident Abul Hasan Khan, the original structure collapsed 
in 1966. It was later renovated by the then chairman of Nalmuri union Golam 
Rahman Milumiya.

Architecturally, the mosque was built using iron beams and lime mortar, with 
decorative tiles enhancing its aesthetic appeal. A large central dome crowns 
the main prayer hall. Seventeen pillars, each about two and a half feet high, 
remain aligned along both sides of the roof. Each pillar once featured 
banana-shaped brass finials weighing around 30 kilograms. 

However, these ornamental features are now covered in moss and have lost much 
of their clarity over time. Locals say the brass elements are intentionally 
left uncleaned to avoid attracting thieves.

The mosque can accommodate around 120 worshippers inside the main prayer hall 
and about 90 more in the veranda. A paved veranda has been constructed in 
front of the main structure to facilitate congregational prayers. Regular 
Jummah and daily prayers are held there, along with Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-
Azha prayers.

During the two major Islamic festivals, a traditional fair is organised on 
the mosque premises, drawing people from all walks of life. Residents 
consider the fair an integral part of the mosque's long standing heritage.

Beyond constructing the mosque, Golam Ali Chowdhury was also known for his 
philanthropy. He reportedly donated Taka 10,000 for the construction of the 
Collegiate School building in Dhaka and Taka 200,000 for the construction of 
a masonry ghat, hospital, and other facilities in Madaripur.

Locals have called upon the government to take initiatives to preserve and 
develop the historic Ghatakhan Mia Bari Jame Mosque, recognizing it as a 
valuable architectural and cultural asset of the region.