PM opens 50 more model mosques

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has inaugurated 50 more model mosques and Islamic cultural centres across the country as part of the government's move to reach the true message of Islam to society.

She opened the mosques in 34 districts in eight divisions in the fifth phase joining virtually from her official Ganabhaban residence on Sunday morning.

With the fresh ones, the premier has so far inaugurated 250 mosques out of 564 being built at a cost of Tk 9,435 crore across the country.

She earlier opened 50 mosques each in the first, second, third and fourth phases on June 10, 2021, January 16, 2023, March 16, 2023, and April 17, 2023. The construction of the remaining mosques and Islamic cultural centres is scheduled to be completed by June 2024.

The model mosques and Islamic cultural centres include separate places for ablution and namaz along with an air-conditioned system.

Besides, there are registration and training arrangements for Hajj pilgrims, an Imam training centre, a research centre and an Islamic library, an autism corner, a ritual system before burial, a car parking facility, hifzakhana, pre-primary education and Quran learning arrangement, conference room for Islamic cultural activities and Islamic dawah, Islamic books sale centre, a boarding facility for local and foreign guests along with the mosques.

State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan and its secretary Md A Hamid Zamadder spoke at the function.

PM's Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah moderated the programme.

Cox's Bazar Sadar Upazila and Fultola Upazila of Khulna district were also connected to the programme as the local lawmakers, public representatives, political parties' leaders, government officers, alem-ulama and common people were present.

A video documentary on the model mosques and Islamic cultural centres was screened at the function.

Being imbued with the spirit of Islam and following the footsteps of the country's founding President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina has come up with the idea of constructing 564 model mosques across the country.

The purpose of the project is to publicize Islamic brotherhood and its values as well as disseminate the essence of Islam against extremism and militancy as the religion never supports those.

It would also put concentration on creating awareness against terrorism and violence against women along with disseminating development activities of the government.

Under category A, some 69 four-storey mosques having an elevator facility and a floor space of 2,360.09 square metres each are being constructed in 64 districts and city corporation areas.

Under category B, 475 mosques are being built with a floor space of 1,680.14 square metres each, while 16 mosques under the C category in coastal areas will have a floor space of 2,052.12 square metres each.

/KN/