Cracks have reportedly appeared in several parts of the long-anticipated Bhaluka Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Center even before its official inauguration, sparking widespread concern and anger among local residents and worshippers.
According to sources, the Ministry of Religious Affairs is implementing a nationwide project to construct 560 model mosques and Islamic cultural centers across Bangladesh. The total project cost is estimated at around Tk 9,435 crore, with each upazila-level mosque costing approximately Tk 15–17 crore, depending on design and location.
The construction work of the Bhaluka Model Mosque is being carried out by contractor Rajib Chowdhury under the contracting firm associated with Naima Rahman.
During an on-site inspection, multiple small and large cracks were observed on the mosque’s walls even before inauguration. Questions have also been raised about the overall construction quality. It was alleged that the contractor attempted to temporarily cover the cracks using polishing and plaster work instead of proper repair.
Due to these concerns, members of the inspection and verification committee, including Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Firoz Hossain, reportedly did not accept the building handover, resulting in a delay in its inauguration.
Local worshippers said the mosque, built under a major government initiative, is an important asset for the community. They expressed concern that cracks appearing before inauguration should be taken very seriously by the authorities.
They also alleged that after the cracks were discovered, the contractor hurriedly tried to conceal them, rather than properly repairing the defects. Locals are demanding a technical investigation to identify the cause of the cracks and ensure proper repair work. They emphasized that maintaining quality standards in public-funded infrastructure is essential.
Attempts to contact contractor Rajib Chowdhury and representatives of the contracting firm were unsuccessful, as their mobile phones remained unreachable.
Upazila Engineer Abu Bakr Siddique said that inspection teams identified several defects, including cracks, during their visit. He added that the issues were instructed to be repaired and later re-evaluated. A final report will be submitted to the UNO after ensuring the structure is defect-free.
UNO Firoz Hossain stated that the contractor initially attempted to hand over the mosque despite the defects, but it was not accepted due to the visible cracks. He confirmed that a seven-member pre-handover verification committee has been formed, headed by the Upazila Engineer with the Islamic Foundation field supervisor as member secretary.
Once the committee submits its report, the mosque will be formally received from the contractor.
Meanwhile, Sub-Divisional Engineer Fahmid Iftikhar Ali of the Mymensingh Public Works Division said that preparations for handover had begun, but due to existing defects, the contractor has been instructed to fix them. He added that some additional time was given due to the Eid holidays, but the project will be handed over to the appropriate authority soon after corrections are completed.
