Religious Affairs Adviser inaugurates model mosque project in Bandarban

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr A F M Khalid Hossain has said that the upcoming District Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre in Bandarban will serve as a key platform for promoting Islamic values, culture, and communal harmony in the hill district, known for its thriving tourism industry.

He made the remarks as chief guest while laying the foundation stone of the Bandarban District Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre on Saturday. Highlighting the project's multifaceted significance, he said the mosque will not only serve religious functions but will also be a centre for social engagement, education, and hospitality, thereby adding a new dimension to religious tourism in the region.

The mosque complex, to be constructed at an estimated cost of BDT 200 million, will feature modern facilities including air-conditioning, separate ablution and prayer spaces for men and women, libraries, research centres, Islamic bookshops, Quran memorisation sections, educational programmes for children, guest houses, accommodation for foreign tourists, mortuary washing units, Hajj registration and training facilities, imam training programmes, autism support centres, adult education classes, and dedicated conference rooms for Islamic preaching and community engagement.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Md A Awal Hawlader, Director General of the Islamic Foundation and Senior District and Sessions Judge A Salam Khan, and Director of the "Construction of 560 Model Mosques and Islamic Cultural Centres" project Md Shahidul Alam reiterated the government's commitment to inclusive religious infrastructure that serves both spiritual and societal needs.

Other notable attendees included Superintendent of Police Md Shahidullah Kawsar, PPM; Chairman of the Hill District Council Prof Thanjama Lusai; Deputy Commissioner Sharmin Ara Rini; Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) S M Manjurul Haque; committee member Kazi Md Mujibur Rahman; and Lt Col (Retd) Ayub. Also present were Prof Osman Gani, Alhaj Abul Kashem Sawdagar, Nasir Uddin, Ashrafulllah Bacchu, Maulana Abul Kalam, and other community leaders and local dignitaries.

Following the event, the Religious Affairs Adviser also laid the foundation stone for another model mosque in Gachbaria, Chandanaish upazila of Chattogram. The Gachbaria project is estimated to cost around BDT 170 million and is expected to similarly advance the vision of holistic Islamic infrastructure development in the country.