Baitul Mukarram,
which is the national mosque of Bangladesh. Its construction was completed in 1968. At present, the mosque can accommodate 40,000 people at a time. This mosque looks a lot like Kaaba Sharif. This mosque is located at the confluence of old Dhaka and new Dhaka. The absence of a dome above this 8-storey mosque is a rare feature of mosque architecture.
In Details,
In 1959, Abdul Latif Mawani, a prominent Pakistani industrialist at the time, first announced plans to build a huge mosque in Dhaka with a huge capacity. As a result, the Baitul Mukarram Society was formed in the same year to implement the plan. Therefore, space was allotted for the construction of the mosque at the confluence of old Dhaka and new Dhaka. The city was also the closest to the main commercial center. Eventually, steps were taken to build the mosque on the initiative of Abdul Latif Ibrahim Mawani and his nephew Yahya Mawani.
The main room of the mosque is surrounded by a verandah on 3 sides. The arch is rectangular instead of semicircular. The mosque was designed by the then eminent architect D Abdul Hossain Thanyani. The design of the entire complex includes shops, offices, libraries, publications, auditoriums, and car parking.
Construction of the mosque began on January 27, 1960. The height of this 8-storey mosque is 30.11 meters from the ground. The main room of the mosque is 2463.51 square meters. And the middle floor is 170.94 square meters. And the total area is 2694.19 square meters. This huge mosque can accommodate 40,000 people at a time. The main verandas of the mosque have Kilan leaves.
The main prayer room in the very open courtyard has lighting and ventilation. The minaret of the mosque in the original design of Abdul Hussain Thariani was a separate katamo on the south side of the building. And according to the original design, the main entrance of the mosque was supposed to be on the east side. The north gate of the mosque is already made up of carved gates. The south side of the mosque is now built in a sophisticated design.
The huge courtyard on the east side of the mosque is covered with a high shed. This is the place where big international Quran competitions, seminars and mahfils are held. Currently, the main attraction of the mosque is its high tower. And these minarets are the bearers of the history and heritage of this country. At present the mosque is being run under government supervision. The meeting room of the Islamic Foundation is located in this mosque. Here important decisions regarding the Arabic year are made. In particular, the qualifying round of the international Quran competition is held in this auditorium.
The huge Islamic library and library run by the Islamic Foundation is located in this mosque. The inscription 'Allahu Akbar' on the north and south sides of the Baitul Mukarram Mosque enhances the beauty of the mosque at night. The National Mosque Baitul Mukarram has a special place in the hearts of the Muslims as it is shaped like the Holy Kaaba.