A phenomenal heritage lies uncared for

Momin Jame Masjid – built by Moulvi Momin Uddin Akon, one of the top leaders during the Faraizi movement of Pirojpur – is an intricate collaboration of construction and decoration that has survived for more than a century.

The iconic mosque in Mathbaria represents the beauty of Muslim architecture, and it is the only mosque in Bangladesh built out of wood without any use of nails. The Department of Archaeology has been maintaining the mosque since 2003, declaring it a preserved antiquity.

The entire structure of the century-old Momin Jame Masjid was made of wood in 1903. However, the mosque is now in a dilapidated state due to a lack of reform and proper maintenance, local sources told The Business Post.

Seven carpenters renovated the damaged mosque after Cyclone Sidr hit Bangladesh in 2007, using timber of vastly subpar quality when compared to the original woodwork.

During inclement weather, rain pours into the mosque and gusty wind rattles the corrugated metal sheets which were not properly tied down to the structure. During rain, the wet floor makes the mosque unusable, as it prevents devotees from unfolding floor mats and carpets.

Moulvi Momin Uddin Akon, one of the top leaders during the Faraizi movement, built the mosque with the help of 22 carpenters from Delhi. Later, the mosque was named after him. The Udaytara Burirchar village’s main street “Momin Masjid Road” was also named after him.

Abul Kalam Azad, the grandson of Moulvi Momin Uddin Akon, has been taking care of the mosque inherited from the noble Akon family.

The DC of Pirojpur announced a Tk 20 lakh grant for the mosque under the research sector in the FY2018-19, but it was later canceled, Azad said with grief in his voice.

Recently, in the wake of family disputes, the mosque is being operated in a single tin-shed house adjacent to the mosque, which is ruining the beauty of the spectacular Muslim architecture. 

Abul Kalam Azad demanded that the mosque be renovated by officially appointing a Khadem by the government’s archeology department.

Local youth Md Masud Mia said the mosque is plagued with various problems. The mosque’s balcony has recently been expanded with the help of locals, and it is being used to teach around 200 children in the area the Holy Quran every day in two classes.

When contacted, Dhanisafa UP chairman Md Harun Talukder said Momin mosque is a national treasure and the government should take urgent measures to protect it.