Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today inaugurated 50 more model mosques and Islamic cultural centres across the country. She opened the mosques in sixth phase after joining a programme along with the Imam of the Holy Masjid-e Nabawi in Medina of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Dr Abdullah bin Abdur Rahman Al-Bua'Yjan, marking the inauguration of National Imam Council and Prize Giving Ceremony-2023. (Reports BSS) The Religious Affairs Ministry organised the function at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre at Rupganj of Narayanganj. Three pandels including main one were erected at the venue. After reaching the venue, the prime minister first visited two other pandels with the Imam of the Holy Masjid-e Nabawi. Both the premier and the Imam of the Holy Masjid-e Nabawi spoke briefly to the Imams gathered at the venue from different parts of the country. Sheikh Hasina thanked the Imams for joining National Imam Council and urged them to pray for the wellbeing of the country and its people. "Pray to Allah that the development of the country being carried out by her government will be continued," she said. The premier also thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. With opening the new mosques, 300 model mosques and Islamic culture centres out of 564 have so far been inaugurated across the country. Earlier, she opened 50 mosques each in the first phase on 10 June, 2021, in the second phase on 16 January this year, in the third phase on 16 March, in the fourth phase on 17 April and in the fifth phase on July 30. The construction of the remaining mosques and Islamic cultural centres is scheduled to be completed by June, 2024. Aimed at reaching the true message of Islam to people and following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina has come up with the idea of constructing 564 model mosques across the country. The model mosques and Islamic cultural centres include separate places for ablution and namaj along with air-conditioned system. There will also be registration and training arrangements for Hajj pilgrims, Imam training centre, research centre and Islamic library, autism corner, ritual system before burial, car parking facility, hifzakhana, pre-primary education and Quran learning arrangement, conference room for Islamic cultural activities and Islamic dawat, Islamic books sale centre and boarding facility for local and foreign guests. In 2017, the government has taken a project with Taka 9,435 crore for constructing Islamic Cultural Center and Model Mosque in every district and upazila as well as municipality of the country. Visiting Imam of the Holy Masjid-e Nabawi Sheikh Dr Abdullah bin Abdur Rahman Al-Bua'Yjan spoke at the function. The Imam expressed his satisfaction over establishing 564 model mosques across the country and thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. "I am very happy to join such a mahfil (Islamic council) --- the Allah will give the Prime Minister ability to do well further," he said. State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan chaired the event, addressed, among others, by President of Bangladesh Tarikat Federation Syed Najibul Bashar Maizbhandari, Maulana Dr. Mohammad Kafiluddin Sarkar Salehi and Maulana Ehsanul Haq Al Mojaddedi, spoke at the function. Secretary for Religious Affairs Ministry Md A Hamid Zamadder delivered the address of welcome An audio-visual documentary on the model mosques and Islamic cultural centres was screened at the function.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to inaugurate 50 more model mosques and Islamic cultural centres in sixth phases on Monday, October 30. A Religious Affairs Ministry official said on Sunday that, "The prime minister will open 50 more model mosques and Islamic cultural centres in sixth phases and join the national Imam council and prize giving ceremony at Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre at Rupganj of Narayanganj."  Aimed at reaching the true message of Islam to people and following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina has come up with the idea of constructing 564 model mosques across the country. PM inaugurated a total of 250 model mosques and Islamic cultural centres in first, second, third, fourth and fifth phases across the country. after the inauguration of 50 more model mosques and Islamic cultural centres the number will be 300.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated 50 more model mosques and Islamic cultural centres across the country on Sunday as part of the government move to reach the true message of the Islam to the society. She opened the mosques in 34 districts in eight divisions in the fifth phase joining virtually from her official Ganabhaban residence here. (BSS Reported) With the fresh ones, the premier has so far inaugurated 250 mosques out of 564 being built at a cost of Taka 9435 crore across the country. She earlier opened 50 mosques each in the first, second, third and fourth phases on June 10, 2021, January 16, 2023, March 16, 2023, and April 17, 2023. The construction of the remaining mosques and Islamic cultural centres is scheduled to be completed by June, 2024. The model mosques and Islamic cultural centres include separate places for ablution and namaj along with air-condition system.  There will also have registration and training arrangements for Hajj pilgrims, Imam training centre, research centre and Islamic library, autism corner, ritual system before burial, car parking facility, hifzakhana, pre-primary education and Quran learning arrangement, conference room for Islamic cultural activities and Islamic dawat, Islamic books sale centre, boarding facility for local and foreign guests along with the mosques.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today inaugurated 50 more model mosques and Islamic cultural centres in the country. She opened the model mosques joining virtually from her official Ganabhaban residence here.   With opening those in the second phase, the premier so far inaugurated 100 mosques out of 564 being built at a cost of Taka 9435 crore across the country. She earlier opened 50 mosques in the first phase on June 10 in 2021. Sheikh Hasina is expected to open 50 more mosques and Islamic cultural centre in the third phase at the end of February next.   The construction of the remaining mosques and Islamic cultural centre is scheduled to be completed in June, 2024. The newly opened model mosques and Islamic cultural centres are located at Bhanga upazila, Nagarkanda in Faridpur, Kapasia in Gazipur, Sadar upazila in Gopalganj, Sadar upazila, Katiadi in Kishoreganj, Gheor upazila, Saturia in Manikganj, Sadar upazila, Monohardi in Narsingdi, Goalanda upazila in Rajbari, district headquarters, Bhedarganj upazila in Shariatpur, Dhunat upazila, Nandigram in Bogura, Niamatpur upazila in Naogaon, Boraigram upazila in Natore, Sadar upazila in Chapainawabganj, Bhangura and Sujanagar upazila in Pabna, Kazipur in Sirajganj, Rajshahi city Corporation, Gangachara and Kaunia in Rangpur, Sadar upazila in Thakurgaon, Sadar upazila in Sherpur, district headquarters in Pirojpur, Sadar upazila and Koshba in Brahmonbaria, Sadar upazila and Manikchhari in Khagrachhari, Chandina and Chouddagram in Cumilla, Rupsha in Khulna, Khoksha and Bheramara in Kushtia, district headquarters and Gangni in Meherpur, Debhata in Satkhira, Goainghat in Sylhet, district headquarters and Jagannathpur in Sunamganj and Chunarughat in Habiganj district. The model mosques and Islamic cultural centres include separate places for aju (ablution) and namaj along with air-conditioned system. Besides, there will be registration and training arrangements for Hajj pilgrims, Imam training centre, research centre and Islamic library, autism corner, ritual system before burial, car parking facility, hifzakhana, pre-primary education and Quran learning arrangement, conference room for Islamic cultural activities and Islamic dawat, Islamic books sale centre, boarding facility for local and foreign guests along with the mosques.   State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan and its Secretary Kazi Enamul Hassan spoke at the function from the Osmani Smriti Auditorium here.   Rajshahi, Shariatpur and Chouddagram sites of Cumilla district were also connected to the programme as the local lawmakers, public representatives, political parties' leaders, government officers, alem-ulama and common people were present.   A video-documentary on the model mosques and Islamic cultural centres was screened at the function.   Being imbued with the spirit of Islam and following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina has come up with the idea of constructing 564 model mosques across the country.   The purpose of the project is to publicize Islamic brotherhood and its values as well as disseminate the essence of Islam against extremism and militancy as the religion never supports those.   It would also put concentration on creating awareness against terrorism and violence against women along with disseminating development activities of the government.   Under category A, some 69 four-storey mosques having the elevator facility and a floor space of 2,360.09 square metres each are being constructed in 64 districts and city corporation areas.   Under category B, 475 mosques are being built with a floor space of 1680.14 square metres each, while 16 mosques under C category in coastal areas will have a floor space of 2,052.12 square metres each.   The Father of the Nation had established the Islamic Foundation and enacted Islamic Foundation Act, 1975.   In line with Bangabandhu's thinking, the project also focused on building a strong Islamic organizational structure by setting up these mosques and Islamic cultural centers across the country.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said eight “iconic mosques” with all modern facilities will be built in eight divisions of the country with Saudi assistance. The Prime Minister discussed the issue when newly-appointed Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Bin Yousef Al-Duhailan paid a courtesy call on her at her official Ganabhaban residence in the capital this morning. After the meeting, PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters. The Prime Minister said 560 model mosque-cum-Islamic cultural centres are being constructed at the upazila level with Saudi assistance. She also recalled development of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque with Saudi cooperation, the press secretary said. Noting that her government gives priority to the agriculture sector, Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh could provide farm labourers to Saudi Arabia. The Prime Minister said Saudi Arabia has a special place in the hearts of Bangladeshis. Pointing out the traditional relationship between the two brotherly countries, she said Bangladesh always values these ties. “There is cooperation between the two countries in many sectors,” she said. The Saudi envoy expressed the hope that the existing friendly relationship between the two countries would deepen further under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He said the bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, security and manpower between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh will continue. Al-Duhailan mentioned that over 1.5 million Bangladeshis are working in different sectors in their country. “They’re very hard-working and making immense contributions to Saudi economy,” he said. Referring to the existing investment-friendly atmosphere in Bangladesh, the ambassador said Saudi entrepreneurs are keen to come to Bangladesh for investment. He said their government also welcomes Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia to promote trade and business between the two brotherly countries. “There is a huge potential of investment in Saudi Arabia and we’ll extend full support to the Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in this regard,” the ambassador said. Expressing satisfaction over the existing excellent ties between the two countries, Al-Duhailan told the premier that it will be his responsibility to take forward the relationship during his tenure. The Saudi envoy highly praised the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Prime Minister and the ambassador also discussed the coronavirus issue, Ihsanul Karim said. At the outset of the meeting, the premier welcomed the new Saudi ambassador and assured him of extending full support during his stay in Bangladesh. Prime Minister’s Office Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Mian was present at the meeting. Later, Bhutanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Rinchen Kuentsyl paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister at the same place, the press secretary said. Source: BSS AH

Many Muslims in the capital took part in Jum’a prayers at mosques on Friday, a month after the restriction on congregations was withdrawn subject to abiding by necessary medical advice.   Offering prayers at mosques had largely been restricted in a bid to tamp down the spread of coronavirus or COVID-19.   Muslims were seen offering prayers at different mosques wearing masks and maintaining distance in the capital. The Ministry of Religious Affairs issued a notification on Wednesday allowing people to offer prayers, including Tarabi, at mosques from Thursday’s Zohr prayers subject to following health guidelines.    On April 6 last, the ministry had directed all to avoid mosques and offer prayers at home to prevent the transmission of fast-spreading coronavirus.   It had asked people to offer Zohr prayers at home instead of Jum’a on Friday. Saying prayers five times a day is one of the ‘five pillars’ of Islam and the Friday prayer, which is done in congregations, is the most important one among them.      The religious affairs minister also asked the people of other religions to offer prayers at home instead of congregating at religious institutions.   On April 23, the ministry had decided that only 10 Muslim devotees and two imams would be allowed to offer Tarabi prayers at mosques during the holy month of Ramadan. Source: UNB AH

After one month of restrictions amid coronavirus outbreak, the government has decided to allow people to offer prayers, including Tarabi, at mosques from Thursday’s Zohr prayers subject to following health guidelines. The Ministry of Religious Affairs issued a notification in this regard on Wednesday. Earlier on April 6, the Ministry directed all to avoid mosques and offer prayers at home to prevent the transmission of fast-spreading coronavirus or COVID-19. It asked people to offer Zohr prayers at home instead of Jum’a on Friday. It also asked people of other religions to offer prayers at home instead of congregation at religious institutions. Meanwhile, the ministry decided on April 23 that 10 Muslim devotees and two imams would be allowed to offer Tarabi prayers at mosques during the holy month of Ramadan. Source: UNB AH

Saudi Arabia has decided to suspend congregational prayers across all mosques in the Kingdom, except for the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah, reports Arab News. The decision announced Tuesday encourages Muslims to pray at home rather than mosques to avoid the spread of the coronavirus. A statement on SPA said it is allowed religiously to suspend all group prayers in mosques, including the weekly Friday prayers. The Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah are exempted from the decision, it said. “Mosque doors will be closed temporarily but they will be allowed to recite the call to prayer,” the statement said. It also said an amendment has been made to the call in which the usual phrase “come to prayer” in the Arabic call has been replaced with “pray at home." The new phrase can also be translated as “pray where you are”. The statement said that a special congregational prayer on Fridays at midday can now be performed by Muslims at home. Source: UNB AH

BNP standing committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan said, Dhaka- the city of mosques has turned into a city of casinos. At present the government has turned Dhaka city into a city of gamblers. He said these as the chief guest at a human chain formed in front of the National Press Club on Thursday. Moyeen Khan said, cheating has been done with the countrymen in the name of false development. Winning of public heart cannot be done through arrogance of power. Pakistanis could not do that in the past. He said, we demand immediate release of Begum Khaleda Zia, the vigilant sentinel of democracy. She was imprisoned in unlawful manner by filing false cases. Khaleda Zia speaks about democracy and for that reason she was jailed. Perhaps the government has seized election, administration and economy being blind for the greed of power. He said, Even Begum Zia is being made deprived of fundamental rights like medical treatment. For that reason the physicians have come on the streets to recover their fundamental rights. AH 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday strongly condemned the shooting at two mosques in New Zealand which left at least 49 people dead. In a message sent to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, the Bangladesh premier offered deep condolences at the deaths of a number of people in the shooting. Reports BSS. An attack on two crowded mosques during Friday prayers left multiple people dead, police said, on what Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described as “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”. The Masjid al Noor in central Christchurch was filled with worshippers when the attack happened, as was the second mosque in suburban Linwood. Local media reported at least 49 people were dead and the South Island city was placed under lockdown. AH