Heading west past Agrabad, the bustling commercial hub of Chattogram, the city’s clamour gradually fades. Situated in a secluded corner of Chowdhurypara, beyond Halishahar’s Boropol, stands a silent witness to history – the Asgar Ali Chowdhury Jame Mosque.
This nearly 230-year-old structure is not merely a place of worship, but an architectural saga etched into time.
Built in 1795 on the initiative of Ali Asgar Chowdhury, a member of the prestigious Chowdhury family, the mosque was designed in the Mughal architectural style. With its terracotta glow, intricately decorated walls, and finely crafted pillars, it stands as a piece of living history.
The mosque features four large pillars at the corners and smaller pillars in the middle; all topped with minarets. A collection of three domes and around 20 minarets on the roof bestows a unique beauty upon the structure, which many say is reminiscent of the Taj Mahal.
A contemporary zamindar house stands to the east of the mosque, while an expansive cemetery lies to the north, where the descendants of the builder are laid to rest. Beside the cemetery is a tranquil pond, on the banks of which a new mosque has been constructed, where regular congregations are now held.
Due to the passage of time and a growing population, prayers in the old mosque were gradually restricted. Although it was nearly abandoned at one point, it has regained its former splendour following renovations. Currently, Fajr prayers are held in this ancient mosque for most of the year, though all prayers are moved to the new mosque during Ramadan when crowds increase.
Ariful Islam, the mosque’s muazzin, said, “In the old mosque, 31 people, including the imam, can pray in three rows of 10. Fajr prayers are held in the old mosque for 11 months of the year. The other four daily prayers are held in the new mosque.”
Every Friday, people travel from far and wide to visit. Some come to pray, while others come to witness the history firsthand. This coexistence of ancient and modern architecture creates a sense of wonder for visitors.
According to locals, the site attracts interest not only from within the country but also from abroad. Since the construction of the new mosque, foreign diplomats have also visited the premises.
Located away from the city’s bustle, standing through the layers of time, this mosque remains a reminder that history never disappears; it simply lives on by changing its form.
