Around 3,000 worshippers can offer prayers together at the newly opened Madaripur District Model Mosque, a three-storey structure built at a cost of about Tk15 crore beside Shakuni Lake in the district town.
The mosque was formally inaugurated on 3 January after remaining closed for a prolonged period due to administrative complications, local officials said.
Built under the Islamic Foundation, the mosque stands on the site of the old district Jame Mosque, which had served the town since the establishment of Madaripur subdivision in 1854. The previous structure was demolished in May 2019 to make way for the new complex.
On Fridays, the main prayer hall often overflows, forcing many worshippers to pray in the courtyard and surrounding areas.
A visit to the mosque found streams of devotees responding to the call to prayer broadcast over loudspeakers. Families and visitors from neighbouring upazilas were also seen taking photographs and spending time on the premises.
Local Member of Parliament Jahandar Ali Mia said the government would renovate other historic mosques in the district and gradually transform them into aesthetically designed structures.
“We want to preserve our heritage while ensuring modern facilities for worshippers,” he said, adding that a list of old mosques would be prepared soon for phased renovation.
Mosque-goer Md Nahial Alvi said the construction of such a mosque in the heart of the town had enhanced the district’s image.
“It is a matter of pride for us. I feel blessed to offer prayers here,” he said.
Tofazzel Hossain Sento Khan, a resident of the DC Bridge Khan Bari area, said the mosque had remained inactive for a long time before reopening through joint efforts of the district administration and local residents.
“Nearly 3,000 people can pray here together. I come regularly and it feels peaceful,” he said.
Muezzin Abdul Aziz said he calls worshippers to prayer throughout the year, not only during Ramadan.
“It is my moral duty. People come here to pray for peace and harmony in the country and hope for an end to violence,” he said.
Regular worshippers have also expressed hope that the development of the district model mosque will encourage further improvements to religious and civic infrastructure across Madaripur.
With its lakeside setting and modern design, the mosque has quickly become a landmark in the town, drawing both worshippers and visitors from across the district.
