Natore: Religious Affairs Adviser Dr A F M Khalid Hossain today emphasized that increasing the number of mosques encourages more people to offer prayers, which in turn helps reduce crime in society. He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the Natore District Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Center this morning.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Khalid mentioned that 350 model mosques have already been constructed across the country. He stated that these establishments will promote the practice of Islamic culture and values, especially in grassroots and rural areas. “We want to build a Namaj (prayer)-oriented society. Prayer restrains people from wrongdoing, which ultimately reduces crime in society,” he added.
The Adviser also highlighted the government’s future plans to operate the model mosques through public-private partnerships, engaging communities in their management. “We have built these facilities, and now we want people’s participation in their operation,” he said. He assured that any defects or discrepancies in the construction would be addressed, urging people to notify the Deputy Commissioner or the Public Works Department if any issues are identified.
Dr Khalid also promised that any complications regarding electricity connections to the mosques would be resolved promptly. The inauguration ceremony, chaired by Project Director Md Shahidul Alam, was also addressed by Superintendent of Police of Natore Muhammad Abdul Wahab.
Following the ceremony, the Adviser inaugurated the Natore Sadar Upazila Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Center, as well as the Gurudaspur Upazila Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Center. The Religious Affairs Ministry is implementing the project titled ‘Construction of 560 Model Mosques and Islamic Cultural Centers’ across all districts and upazilas.
In Natore, a district-level and two upazila-level model mosques and Islamic cultural centers have been constructed at a cost of Tk 46.77 crore. The project is implemented by the Public Works Department to enhance Islamic education and research activities at the grassroots level.
Later in the day, the Adviser attended a prayer and teaching session on ‘Bukhari Sharif’ at Al-Jamiatun Nuria Madrasa in Natore town, serving as the chief guest.