The Pagla Mosque and Islamic Complex, situated on the banks of the Narsunda River in Kishoreganj, is one of Bangladesh’s most fascinating spiritual landmarks. It is renowned not just for its history, but for being a unique symbol of interfaith devotion and extraordinary charitable contributions.
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The most defining and unique characteristic of the Pagla Mosque is its extraordinary donation volume. It is arguably the only mosque in the world where people of all faiths—Muslims, Hindus, and others—regularly donate millions of dollars, gold ornaments, and livestock.
- The Power of Faith: There is a deep-rooted belief that making a “Manat” (a vow) or donating here with a pure heart helps fulfill one’s desires or cure incurable diseases.
- Record-Breaking Donations: The mosque features 11 to 13 massive iron donation chests that are opened every 3–4 months. In 2025, a single opening yielded a record 9.17 crore BDT (approx. $780,000 USD).
- Social Welfare: Unlike many historic sites, the funds here are used for massive social welfare projects, including financing the treatment of complex diseases (like cancer), supporting orphanages, and providing scholarships to poor students.
History & Architecture
The mosque is approximately 250 years old. There are three popular legends regarding its origin:
- The Wandering Saint: A spiritual man dressed like a “Pagla” (madman) floated down the Narsunda River on a mat and began praying at this spot. The mosque was later built near his grave.
- Dewan Zil Kadar Khan: A descendant of the legendary Isa Khan (ruler of Bengal) used to meditate here. He was known as “Zil Kadar Pagla,” hence the name.
- Pagla Bibi: Another legend attributes the founding to a childless lady from the Zamindar family, affectionately called “Pagla Bibi,” who built it following a divine dream.
Architectural Details
The mosque currently stands on a 3.88-acre site and features a blend of traditional and modern Islamic styles.
- Structure: A three-story main building with a towering minaret.
- Gumbads (Domes): The roof is adorned with three large domes.
- Islamic Complex: An ambitious 115–150 crore BDT project is underway to build a 6-story modern Islamic Complex that will accommodate 40,000 worshippers, including a dedicated floor for 5,000 women.
- Scenic Setting: The Narsunda River flows right beside it, and the area is beautified with a decorative bridge and evening illuminations.
How to Visit
From Dhaka to Kishoreganj
- By Train (Recommended): Take the Egarosindur Prabhati or Egarosindur Godhuli from Kamalapur Railway Station. It takes about 4 hours. (Fare: 135–370 BDT).
- By Bus: Buses like Ananya Super or Yatayat leave from Mohakhali or Sayedabad bus terminals. (Fare: 270–350 BDT).
Reaching the Mosque
- From the Kishoreganj Railway Station or Bus Stand, take a rickshaw or an easy-bike (auto-rickshaw) to Harua. The mosque is a landmark everyone knows. (Fare: 30–60 BDT).
Online Donation
If you cannot visit in person, the mosque now has an official website (www.paglamosque.org) where you can donate via digital payment gateways like bKash.
Where to Eat & Stay
- Food: Try local favorites at Gangchil, Dhaner Shiri, or River View restaurants. Don’t forget to taste the famous sweets from Lakshmi Narayan Mistanna Bhandar.
- Accommodation: You can stay at Hotel Sheraton (local brand), Castle Salam, or River View located near the Station Road area.