Aesthetic architecture of Zahiria Mosque enchants worshippers in Feni
The five-storey mosque, originally established in 1940 on land donated by a government official, Zahir Uddin, can hold nearly 6,000 people at a time
ATT Desk Report 
The striking architecture and serene atmosphere of Zahiria Mosque, on Shaheed Shahidullah Kaiser Road in Feni town, continue to draw thousands of worshippers from across the district.
The mosque was originally established in 1940 on land donated by a government official, Zahir Uddin, after whom it is named. According to local residents, the graves of Zahir Uddin and his two wives lie beside the mosque.
The five-storey mosque, which can hold nearly 6,000 people at a time, becomes especially crowded during Friday prayers. Hundreds of devotees often spill onto the adjacent road due to limited space inside.
Hundreds of devotees often spill onto the adjacent road due to limited space inside during the Friday prayers. Photo: Abdullah Al Noman
Construction of the current modern structure began in 2006 to expand facilities for worshippers and support religious education.
In addition to serving as a place of prayer, the building houses a Noorani Madrasa and a Hifz department, creating a lively learning environment. The mosque remains bustling throughout the day, particularly in the mornings when children attend religious classes.
Hundreds of worshippers also regularly take part in Quranic commentary sessions and adult religious education programmes.
Local resident Saidul Millat Mukta said Zahir Uddin donated about 57 decimals of land for the mosque complex. Of this, the mosque itself occupies 30 decimals, while the remaining land includes markets and areas for commercial development.
A multi-storey commercial complex, “Zahiriya Market,” has already been built, and construction is underway on a 10-storey modern building. The lower six floors will feature commercial spaces, while the upper floors will accommodate the imam and muazzin, as well as a Hifzkhana, Noorani Madrasah and Maktab.
However, many devout Muslims have requested separate prayer arrangements for women in the new complex.
The project was overseen by Md Faruk Harun, convenor of the mosque construction sub-committee in 2006, who previously served for many years as secretary of the Feni Baro Jame Mosque.
Faruk Harun told BSS that construction began with only Tk 2 lakh in funds, and the entire five-storey mosque was completed at a cost of around Tk 10 crore.
A portion of the wall of the mosque decorated with eye-soothing colourful design. Photo: Abdullah Al Noman
He added that the mosque was built entirely through donations from worshippers, without support from any individual benefactor, institution or foreign donor. The first and second floors are fully air-conditioned, and the mosque features ample lighting, ventilation, and modern ablution and sanitation facilities.
During the holy month of Ramadan, the mosque hosts daily iftar gatherings on its third floor, where thousands of fasting worshippers break their fast together.
Local businessman Mohammad Rashedul Hasan Manik said he has been connected to the mosque since childhood. “I used to come here holding my father’s hand. Now my children also regularly pray here,” he said.
A portion of the staircase inside the mosque with beautifully intricate design. Photo: Abdullah Al Noman
Worshippers also praise the clean environment, beautiful architecture, and the melodious call to prayer from the mosque’s tall minaret, which resonates throughout the town.
Another devotee, Ziaul Haque, said the topic-based sermons delivered by Khatib Mufti Ilyas bin Nazem attract many people to the mosque.
With its blend of spiritual atmosphere, modern facilities, and strong community engagement, Zahiria Mosque has become one of Feni’s most prominent religious centres.
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