Worshippers at Nidaria Jame Mosque, a protected 18th-century monument in Lalmonirhat, are facing safety risks as parts of the boundary wall and a tin-shed veranda remain in a fragile condition due to a lack of renovation.
Declared a protected archaeological monument in 1994 by the Department of Archaeology, the over 250-year-old mosque at Kismat Nagarband village under Panchgram union has seen little visible repair work in recent years, locals and mosque authorities said.
They urged the immediate need for steps to ensure safe prayer facilities while preserving the historic structure.
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According to the Department of Archaeology, the three-domed mosque was built in 1762 by Mansur Khan, son of Masud Khan, as indicated by a Persian inscription engraved on a black stone on the front wall.
The rectangular structure features octagonal corner towers and three mihrabs on the western wall, reflecting Mughal-era architectural style.
Locals said the main structure has remained largely unchanged since its construction and has not undergone significant renovation for many years.
The boundary wall is now at risk of collapse, while a tin-shed veranda built beside the mosque is being supported with bamboo poles.
Due to limited space inside the mosque, many worshippers offer prayers on the veranda, which becomes unusable even during light rain, they said.
Hossain Ali, general secretary of the mosque committee, said the mosque cannot undertake any renovation work independently, as it is a protected monument.
“Since the mosque is under the Department of Archaeology, we cannot carry out development work on our own. We are communicating with the authorities concerned,” he said.
Imam Fazlul Karim said the mosque is architecturally significant, with thick walls and high domes giving it a distinctive character.
“Visitors from different parts of the country come here every day. Many of them offer prayers,” he said, adding that the committee has been urged repeatedly to improve facilities.
Abidur Rahman, a college teacher from Sirajganj who recently visited the site, said, “I have offered prayers in the historic mosque. The veranda and boundary wall require urgent renovation to ensure safety for worshippers.”
Contacted, Abu Sayeed Inam Tanvirul, field officer of the Rangpur divisional office of the Department of Archaeology, said any development work must follow the department’s guidelines to protect the monument’s original features.
“If the mosque committee wants to renovate the walls or veranda, they should contact us formally. We will provide the necessary guidance and assistance,” he said, adding that preservation of the heritage structure must remain the priority.
