Gopalganj: The construction of the Kashiani Model Mosque in the district remains incomplete six years after its commencement, as confirmed by official sources today. Initiated in 2019, the project, which also includes an Islamic cultural centre, was expected to be finished within 18 months at a cost of Taka 12.75 crore. However, the project has been plagued by delays.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Public Works Department (PWD) attributes the delay to multiple extensions of time limits and the need to change contractors. The initial contractor, a joint venture company, had been granted the land in November 2020 and began by setting up a temporary mosque, completing the piling works and service lines. However, due to a significant increase in construction material costs, the firm requested to cancel the agreement, prompting the PWD to hire a new contractor.
Torab Hossain, the owner of the newly appointed company, stated to BSS that they have completed the minarets and domes, and expect to finish the entire project by December. Swarnendu Shekhhar Mondal, Executive Engineer of the PWD in Gopalganj, noted that the delay was mainly due to the negligence of the first firm and the formalities required to hire a replacement. He assured that construction is now progressing rapidly and is projected to be completed in the next four to five months.