CA Yunus to inaugurate 50 more model mosques in Jan: Religious affairs adviser

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is set to inaugurate 50 model mosques around the country in January, Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain has said.

He made the statement while visiting the Chattogram District Model Mosque on Friday (27 December), reports media.

Work is ongoing to build 564 model mosques and Islamic cultural centres in all districts and upazilas. So far, 300 model mosques have been inaugurated.

A total of 250 model mosques and Islamic cultural centres – with 50 in each phase – were inaugurated in the first phase on 7 December 2021, the second phase on 16 January 2023, the third phase on 16 March of the same year, the fourth phase on 17 April 2023, and the fifth phase on 30 July 2023.

Another 50 model mosques were inaugurated on 30 October this year, taking the total number of model mosques and Islamic cultural centres built to 300.

Previously, the religious affairs adviser said there has been widespread corruption in constructing model mosques during the tenure of the Awami League government.

In some cases, cracks have appeared on the walls of the mosques even before their inauguration. There are also complaints about the use of substandard construction materials at many locations, he had said.

Khalid said those responsible for the corruption will be brought to book.

During Friday's event, the religious affairs adviser also presented awards to the Hafizs and Hafizas of Markazul Hafizat International Madrasa who previously won international awards.

He said, "Bangladesh is the fertile land of the Quran. Hafizs are uplifting the country's image in the international arena. In 2024, 15 Hafiz of the Quran, including one Hafiza, contributed to brightening the name of Bangladesh in the international arena.

"These Hafizs have won international Quran and Qirat competitions organised in various countries of the world, including Saudi Arabia, Mission, Turkey and Iran."