Baitul Mukarram Mosque now gets conducive religious atmosphere for prayers: Dr Khalid
Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain today said the ongoing development work has been creating conducive religious atmosphere for prayers at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.
“The work on the modernization, beautification and development project of the mosque will begin shortly. Everyone must abide by the government rules and regulations in implementing any development activities,” he said at a press conference here this afternoon.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs organized the press conference to inform the countrymen about the overall ‘development and renovation of Baitul Mukarram Mosque.’
“We can’t change everything overnight as per our wishes . . . But we have already completed several development works, some works are ongoing and some more works will be started within very shortest possible time,” he mentioned.
Pointing out some various renovation and development works of the national mosque, Dr Khalid said a new sub-station has been constructed and a high-power generator has been installed at a cost of Taka 11 crore to solve the electricity problem.
“Besides, fire extinguishing systems have also been newly added and fire hydrants have been installed at 80 sensitive spots. In addition, a submersible pump has been installed to ensure an uninterrupted water supply for the mosque. A modern and advanced sound system has been added here,” the adviser added.
Dr Khalid said new drainage system has been renovated while all 40 ACs inside the mosque and the women's prayer rooms has been serviced and activated.
He said 12,000 square feet of high-quality carpets have been added, and the prayer mats and carpets of the minar have been changed at a cost of Taka 49.17 lakh.
The adviser said in the last one year, 120 new ceiling fans and 10 pedestal fans (stand fans) have been added to the 3rd and 4th floors in the mosque.
Besides, an agreement was signed with a private security company for round-the-clock cleaning, and 12 people were appointed in this regard, he said.
In addition, 30 toilets and ablution basins have been newly constructed in the east with a modern and sustainable design, he added.
As part of the development work, the adviser said four damaged gates on the south and east sides have been newly constructed and overhead shoe boxes have been provided to the mosque.
The adviser said Taka two crore of arrears have been collected from the Baitul Mukarram Mosque Market and two shops have been recovered from illegal occupants.
"The two car parking spaces in this market have generated revenue of Taka 70.50 lakh . . . In the last one year, the capital of the mosque and the market has increased from Tk 90 to Tk 110 crore," he stated at the conference.
Religious Affairs Secretary Md Kamal Uddin, Additional Secretary Imtiaz Ahmed, Islamic Foundation Director General A Salam Khan, WAQF Administrator Nur Alam and other senior officials of the ministry were present at the time.