The historic Bajra Shahi Mosque stands as a testament to 300 years of Mughal elegance and heritage in Noakhali. Built in the architectural style of Delhi’s Jama Masjid, this unique landmark attracts numerous visitors and tourists from across the country every day.
The mosque is situated on the western bank of a vast 30-acre pond with high banks, which was dug by Zamindar Aman Ullah Khan. The structure itself is approximately 116 feet long, 74 feet wide, and 20 feet high, featuring three magnificent domes.
It was constructed on a 20-foot-high foundation and includes three arched entrance doors. The artistic appeal of the mosque is heightened by stone inscriptions and ornate designs of flowers and leaves engraved on the walls.
It is surrounded by a boundary wall and contains five small doors – three to the east and one each to the north and south – but features no windows.
The interior western wall houses three highly decorative mihrabs, while four beautiful minarets at the corners further enhance its aesthetic beauty. Notably, Chinese glass was used on the high minaret above the eastern gateway to increase its visual splendour.
Historical records indicate that Mughal Zamindar Aman Ullah commissioned the mosque in 1741 AD, and it took 26 years to complete the artistic edifice.
A rare feature of the Bajra Shahi Mosque is its tradition of imamate; following a special request from Mughal Emperor Mohammad Shah, the descendants of the first Imam, who arrived from Makkah Sharif, continue to serve to this day. Currently, Imam Hasan Siddiqui serves as the Panjeganah Imam, representing the seventh generation of this lineage.
Visitors find great spiritual peace at the site. Mozammel Hossain, who travelled from Companiganj with colleagues on a Friday, described the ancient mosque as a serene place for prayer and encouraged others to visit.
However, local worshipper Abul Kashem emphasised that urgent government renovation and supervision are required to preserve this glorious history for future generations.
According to the mosque’s khadem, Sahab Uddin, many people visit to fulfill religious vows (niyat and mannat), with Friday donations often reaching or exceeding Tk100,000.
Despite its significance, the mosque’s Khatib, Mir Kashem, noted that while the site is listed as a heritage property in the government gazette, there are no effective official maintenance initiatives. Currently, all daily expenses and staff salaries are met through the donations and contributions of tourists and worshippers.
