The central Jame Mosque of Khulna University (KU) is a place of worship that is not only revered by its Muslim followers but also admired for its unique blend of modern architecture and Islamic tradition. This magnificent mosque is an integral part of KU’s heritage and culture, serving as a spiritual center for students, teachers, and staff. The mosque’s striking feature – the Middle Eastern-style grand dome – is a sight to behold. Its elegant design is not only visually stunning but also harmonizes with the natural environment. The interior of the mosque remains cool throughout the day, eliminating the need for air conditioning, thanks to its strategic design. The mosque’s architecture is a fine example of Islamic art, with elegant geometric patterns that instantly capture the attention of viewers. The interior of the mosque is adorned with intricate designs and patterns that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. The strategic location of the mosque, right in front of three male student dormitories and adjacent to Academic Buildings 1, 2, and 3, as well as the Kazi Nazrul Islam Central Library, makes it highly accessible for the university community. The idea of building a mosque at KU was first proposed in 2003 by the then Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. M. Abdul Quader Bhuiyan. However, construction work remained stalled for several years. It was not until 2014 that then Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Mohammad Fayek Uzzaman took the initiative to resume and complete the construction of the mosque. The final design was refined and completed by Associate Professor Md. Sheikh Maruf Hossain of the Architecture Discipline. The mosque’s design incorporates elements of modern architecture with traditional Islamic elements, reflecting the university’s commitment to preserving and promoting Islamic culture. The mosque’s unique blend of modern and traditional elements has made it a landmark in the region. **Key Features of the Mosque:**
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Strategic location: | Right in front of three male student dormitories and adjacent to Academic Buildings 1, 2, and 3, as well as the Kazi Nazrul Islam Central Library |
Capacity: | Up to 3,000 worshippers at a time, arranged in 30 rows |
Design inspiration: | Middle Eastern-style grand dome, elegant geometric patterns |
Special features: | Strategic design to allow natural airflow, interior remains cool throughout the day |
The mosque is not just a place of worship but also an iconic landmark in the region. It has become an invaluable part of KU’s heritage and culture, serving as a spiritual center for students, teachers, and staff. The mosque’s unique design and spiritual significance have made it a popular destination for visitors from across the country. In an interview with the BSS, Senior Imam and Khatib of the mosque, Mufti Abdul Quddus, mentioned that the university administration aims to further beautify the mosque and promote the true teachings of Islam. He said that various innovative initiatives have been taken to enhance not only the mosque but also other parts of the KU campus. When asked about the mosque’s future development plans, Prof Sharif Mohammad Khan, Chairman of the Mosque Management Committee, said that various initiatives have already been set in motion and will be implemented very soon. The mosque has become an enduring symbol of KU’s heritage and identity, reflecting the university’s commitment to preserving and promoting Islamic culture. Its unique design and spiritual significance have made it a place of worship that is not only revered by its Muslim followers but also admired for its beauty and significance. In an interview with the BSS, Vice-Chancellor of KU, Prof Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim, remarked that the mosque is not merely a religious structure but has become a spiritual centre for students, teachers, officials, and staff. He added that due to its architectural brilliance, beauty, and spiritual importance, it is growing in popularity. The mosque’s interactive display board is a great initiative to provide detailed information about the mosque in a more accessible way for visitors and worshippers. The board features information about the mosque’s history, design, and significance, making it a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about the mosque. The mosque’s unique blend of modern architecture and Islamic tradition has made it a landmark in the region. Its elegant design and spiritual significance have made it a popular destination for visitors from across the country.