Photo: BSS

SHARIATPUR, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - The historic Burirhat Jame Mosque in the district stands today as a silent witness to the region's rich religious and architectural heritage. 

Established locally in 1907-though some sources suggest 1903-the mosque reflects the devotion and vision of religiously committed individuals whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

Constructed with cement imported from England and stones brought from Kolkata, the mosque remains a place of spiritual solace and attraction for both domestic and foreign visitors.

A Journey Through History 

Historical accounts reveal that during the Partition of Bengal in 1905, a modest thatched mosque existed in Burirhat village. Later, in 1907, wealthy and religious philanthropist Ekabbar Hossain Howlader laid the foundation stone of a permanent structure. Before that, he had reportedly offered prayers under a tree at the site and, with local support, established a small thatched prayer house and Quran learning center.

His son, Momtaz Uddin Howlader, later constructed a tin-shed mosque around 1910. Gradually, initiatives were taken to pave and expand the structure, and by 1935, the mosque took a more complete architectural form. Prominent contributors during that period included Momtaz Uddin Howlader, Montaz Uddin Munshi, and Aftab Uddin Munshi.

Inspired by Mughal Grandeur

The mosque was designed following the model of the historic Tipu Sultan Mosque. Spread across five acres of land, the mosque complex measures approximately 250 feet in length and 120 feet in width. The walls are more than three feet thick.

The original rectangular mosque, measuring 50 feet by 30 feet, stood on about five kathas of land. After extensive renovations, the structure was transformed into a square layout resembling a traditional Mughal-style mosque with 30 domes. The renovation significantly enhanced its grandeur and aesthetic appeal.

The interior walls feature colorful ceramic clay creeper designs, while the exterior showcases intricate cement and terracotta work.

Expansion and Facilities

With the growing number of worshippers, the mosque is currently undergoing expansion on its northeast side. Construction work on the 30 domes is ongoing. The mosque now accommodates around 1,000 worshippers at a time and has two main entrances.

Built on waqf property, the complex also includes an Eidgah adjacent to the mosque, a market on the western side, imam's residence and a minaret on the eastern side and a generator to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

The mosque's minaret was constructed in the 1980s, taking ten craftsmen nearly one and a half years of continuous work to complete.

Architectural Effort and Community Support

Engineer Aftab Uddin Munshi designed the mosque and arranged for the procurement of stones and materials from Kolkata. Cement was imported from England, and skilled craftsmen were brought from Chandpur to execute the intricate craftsmanship. Their artistry significantly boosted local enthusiasm and support for the project.

The mosque is located at the southwestern end of Burirhat Bazar in Chandankar Mouza, beside the Khulna-Mongla Regional Highway. Though the canal once flowing along its southern side no longer exists, the mosque pond was later constructed on donated land and reclaimed canal space.

A Symbol of Faith and Heritage

Local elders recall that Muslims in the Burirhat area once lagged behind in education, with only a few noble families pursuing studies. The establishment of the mosque played a vital role in fostering religious education and community development.

Today, the Burirhat Jame Mosque stands not only as a place of worship but also as a cherished architectural landmark. Visitors and passersby often pause in admiration, moved by its beauty and historical significance-a testament to faith, dedication, and community spirit spanning more than a century.