
ছবি: Photo: Collected
Kishoreganj’s historic Pagla Mosque has once again captured national attention after a record-breaking collection of Tk 91,780,687 was counted from its charity boxes on Saturday, April 12. The latest count has taken the mosque’s total donation figure to Tk 899,354,263, all of which has been securely deposited in a local bank.
The counting process began at 7 AM on Saturday, following the opening of 11 donation boxes after a gap of 4 months and 11 days. After more than eight hours of meticulous sorting and counting, the final tally was confirmed by 5 PM. This donation amount marks the highest single-count collection in the mosque’s history, surpassing all previous records.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) of Kishoreganj, Mizabe Rahmat, confirmed the total amount collected. He oversaw the operation, which involved an elaborate and highly organized process. The counting session took place on the second floor of the mosque, where the contents of the donation boxes were emptied onto the floor at around 9 AM. The scene was described as extraordinary, with bundles of cash filling as many as 28 large sacks.
A total of 247 students participated in the counting effort, supported by 24 executive magistrates, 10 teachers, 14 army personnel, 30 police officers, 10 Ansar members, and 80 staff from various banks. Security was tight throughout the process, with personnel from multiple forces ensuring the safety and integrity of the operation.
Though Pagla Mosque typically opens its charity boxes every three months, this time the interval was extended due to logistical reasons. The delay, however, seemed to have amplified the volume of donations.
Pagla Mosque holds a unique place in the hearts of people across Bangladesh. It is widely believed that donating here brings the fulfillment of personal wishes, which has led to a large and diverse group of people—including many from non-Muslim communities—contributing regularly. Offerings go beyond just cash: gold and silver jewelry, foreign currencies, cattle, poultry, fruits, candles, and religious books are among the items donated frequently.
The event was attended by Kishoreganj Deputy Commissioner and Mosque Management Committee President, Fouzia Khan, as well as Superintendent of Police Mohammad Hasan Chowdhury. The DC reiterated that all funds collected are deposited into a bank account, with the accrued interest being used for charitable and developmental purposes across the region.
Fouzia Khan added that the mosque administration uses the interest earnings to support local mosques, madrasas, and individuals suffering from serious illnesses. Financial aid is disbursed based on applications that are reviewed and verified before approval. She also spoke about the long-term vision to enhance the site’s facilities.
According to Khan, plans are underway to build a grand Islamic complex at Pagla Mosque, with an estimated cost of Tk 115–120 crore. The proposed structure would accommodate more than 30,000 worshippers at a time and feature amenities such as an Islamic research center and parking facilities.
She mentioned that steps have already been taken toward realizing this vision. After nearly 30 years, land taxes and government fees for the mosque premises have been paid, and legal ownership of the land has been officially transferred to the mosque. However, some parcels of land within the mosque's boundary remain privately owned. The administration has reached out to the Waqf authority requesting approval to acquire these properties for full integration into the new complex. Once approval is granted, the land acquisition process will begin.
This unprecedented donation record and the ambitious development plans signal a new chapter for Pagla Mosque, turning it not just into a spiritual center but a beacon of communal welfare and Islamic scholarship.
repoter