The aesthetic architecture and tranquil environment of Zahiria Mosque. Photo: BSS

By Mohammad Shahadat Hossain

FENI, March 7, 2026 (BSS) - The aesthetic architecture and tranquil environment of Zahiria Mosque, located on Shaheed Shahidullah Kaiser Road in Feni town, continue to attract thousands of worshippers from across the district.

The five-storey mosque, which can accommodate nearly 6,000 worshippers at a time, becomes especially crowded during Friday prayers, when hundreds of devotees are often seen offering prayers on the adjacent road due to limited space inside.

The mosque was originally established in 1940 on land donated by a government official named Zahir Uddin, after whom the mosque was named. According to local residents, Zahir Uddin's grave and those of his two wives are located beside the mosque.

The construction of the current modern infrastructure began in 2006 with the aim of expanding facilities for worshippers and religious education.

Besides serving as a place of prayer, the building also houses a Noorani Madrasa and a Hifz department, creating a vibrant learning environment. As a result, the mosque premises remain lively throughout the day, particularly in the mornings when children attend religious classes.

Hundreds of worshippers also regularly participate in Quranic commentary sessions and religious education programs for adults.

Local resident Saidul Millat Mukta said that Zahir Uddin donated about 57 decimals of land for the mosque complex. Of this, the mosque itself stands on 30 decimals, while nearby areas include markets and additional land for commercial development.

A multi-storey commercial complex named "Zahiriya Market" has already been built, and construction is underway on a 10-storey modern building. The lower six floors will house commercial spaces, while the upper floors will accommodate facilities for the imam and muazzin, as well as a Hifzkhana, Noorani Madrasah and Maktab.

However, many devout Muslims have demanded separate prayer arrangements for women in the future complex.

The project was overseen by Md. Faruk Harun, who served as the convenor of the mosque construction sub-committee in 2006 and previously worked for many years as secretary of the Feni Baro Jame Mosque.

Faruk Harun told BSS that construction began with only Taka 2 lakh in funds, and the entire five-storey building was completed at a cost of around Taka 10 crore.

He said that the mosque was built entirely through donations from worshippers, without financial support from any individual benefactor, institution or foreign donor. The first and second floors are fully air-conditioned, and the mosque features ample lighting, ventilation and modern ablution and sanitation facilities.

During the holy month of Ramadan, the mosque organizes daily iftar gatherings on its third floor, where thousands of fasting worshippers break their fast together.

Local businessman Mohammad Rashedul Hasan Manik said he has been connected to the mosque since childhood.

"I used to come here holding my father's hand. Now my children also regularly pray here," he said.

Worshippers also appreciate the clean environment, beautiful architecture and melodious call to prayer from the mosque's tall minaret, which resonates throughout the town.

Another devotee, Ziaul Haque, said the topic-based sermons delivered by Khatib Mufti Ilyas bin Nazem also attract many people to the mosque.

With its blend of spiritual atmosphere, modern facilities and strong community engagement, Zahiria Mosque has become one of the most prominent religious centers in Feni.