Photo : BSS

LALMONIRHAT, Feb 23, 2026 (BSS) - The historic Nidaria Mosque, a three-century-old architectural treasure in Lalmonirhat, stands today as a silent witness to Mughal heritage while facing the threat of gradual decay due to natural erosion and structural weakness.

Located in Kishamat under Panchagram union of Sadar upazila, about two kilometres south of the Barabari bus stand on the Rangpur–Kurigram highway, the mosque is listed as an ancient structure by the Bangladesh Department of Archaeology. Devout Muslims from across the country visit the site to offer prayers and make supplications.

According to inscriptions preserved on its walls, the mosque was constructed in 1176 AH under the supervision of Mughal Subedar Masud Khan and his son Mansur Khan. The design, materials and structural features clearly reflect Mughal architectural influence.

The single-room mosque measures 42 feet in length and 16 feet in width. It features three domes atop the main structure, four corner pillars, and a frontal entrance. A two-storey structure on the left side is believed to have served as a storeroom or the Imam’s residence.

A large Eidgah lies in front of the mosque, while a cemetery occupies the northeast corner. In 2019, a Hafiziya Madrasa was established on the northern side of the mosque complex.

Local lore suggests that a built-up grave on the mosque’s left side may belong to Subedar Mansur Khan. According to legend, Mansur Khan vowed to build a mosque if his beard grew. When three beards reportedly grew on his face, he fulfilled his vow by constructing the three-domed mosque as a memorial.

Many residents believe the name “Nidaria” is linked to this story, though there is limited historical documentation to support the claim.

Ansar Ali, the mosque’s muezzin, told BSS that the tale has been passed down through generations. Local resident Faizar Rahman said the structure has become fragile, with visible cracks on the roof. “No renovation can be carried out without permission from the archaeology department, and the issue has become more complicated as part of the land is encroached,” he added.

Another resident, Amir Hossain, said he had heard from his grandfather that the mosque predates even his great-grandfather’s time. “It is on the verge of destruction due to natural disasters and the ravages of time. Although there have been attempts to renovate it, there has been no effective progress,” he said.

Sources said nearly 10 acres of land were historically endowed in the mosque’s name. Funds generated from the land are used to organize annual religious gatherings (Waz Mahfil). 

However, a portion of the land remains under encroachment, and related legal proceedings are ongoing.

Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate HM Rakib Haider said the historic mosque is officially listed by the Department of Archaeology and assured that necessary measures would be taken to renovate the ancient structure and address existing challenges.

Local residents have demanded immediate, coordinated initiatives to conserve the mosque, remove encroachments, and restore its structural integrity. They believe that with proper preservation, Nidaria Mosque could emerge as one of the most significant historical tourist attractions in northern Bangladesh.

As time and natural forces continue to take their toll, the centuries-old mosque remains both a spiritual sanctuary and a fragile monument to Mughal architectural heritage—awaiting decisive steps for its protection.