Tk 12 Crore Govt Model Mosque Remains Incomplete After 7.5 Years in Bahubal

The construction of the Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre in Bahubal Upazila, Habiganj, remains incomplete after seven years, despite an initial 18-month deadline. Being built at a cost of Tk 12.51 crore, the project has suffered persistent delays, work stoppages, and a change of contractor. The original contracting firm, M/S Moinuddin Enterprise, completed only 10 percent of the work between 2019 and early 2024 before halting operations, which prompted a re-tendering process.

Although construction resumed under a new contractor in 2024, residents remain aggrieved by sluggish progress and further disruptions, including a 15-day halt in September. Additionally, locals have raised serious concerns regarding the structural durability and quality of raw materials used. Habiganj Public Works Department Executive Engineer Habib Ullah stated that construction has resumed and is scheduled for handover by March 2027, though he declined to detail past delays without a full review.

Dissatisfaction continues to grow among the local community over the prolonged delays and lack of transparency. Resident Chhabu Miah remarked, ‘It is extremely unfortunate that a project intended to be completed in one and a half years remains unfinished after seven years. The reasons behind the repeated work stoppages must be clarified to the public, and the quality of construction must be ensured.’ Meanwhile, another resident, Rafiq Miah, urged authorities to expedite the process so the facility can finally open.

In response to public concerns, Md. Hemayet Hossain, a representative of the current contracting firm, asserted that construction quality is being strictly maintained, attributing recent slowdowns to worker leave. Designed to offer prayer halls, Islamic libraries, Hajj training, and Quranic memorization centers, the facility remains stalled while neighboring projects, such as the Madhabpur Upazila Model Mosque, are operational. Citizens are now demanding an independent inspection of expenditure, strict quality assurance, and accountability for negligent parties.