Pagla Masjid Kishoreganj

Pagla Masjid (Pagla Masjid) is located on the banks of Narsunda river in Harua area of ​​Kishoreganj district city. Pagla Masjid is a wonder for both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. This mosque is most famous for receiving large amounts of money, foreign currency and gold and silver as donations.

Legend has it that a mad spiritual saint floated on a mat on the banks of Narsunda river and stayed at the mosque site. Gradually, devotees began to gather around him. After the death of the spiritual saint, a mosque was built next to his grave. Which is now very well known as Pagla Masjid.

According to another legend, Dewan Zilkadar Khan alias Zilkadar Pagla Saheb, the son-in-law of the founder of Haibatnagar, Dewan Haibat Dat Khan, the 5th son of Vir Isa Khan, one of the 12 Bhuiyas of ancient Bengal, used to meditate and pray here. Later this mosque was named Pagla Masjid after him.

According to another local legend, Ayesha Dat Khan, the wife of Jolkaran Khan, the third male subordinate of Dewan Haiwat Dat Khan, the zamindar of Haiwatnagar area, is the founder of this mosque. She was childless and the subjects called her 'Crazy Bibi'. Being dreamy, he established this mosque on the banks of Narsunda, one hundred miles away from Dewanbari.

The current land area of ​​this Pagla mosque built in modern architectural style is 3 acres and 88 percent. Although initially 10 percent waqf land of Haibatnagar Dewanbari was included only in the name of mosque. The three-storied Pagla Mosque has three large domes on its roof and a minaret the size of a five-storied building. The mosque has a capacity of around a thousand worshipers and has separate arrangements for women to pray.

Presently under the Lake City Project, the Narsunda River flowing past the Pagla Masjid is being mined, the construction of a scenic bridge, the beautification of the Masjid and the colorful illuminations make the Masjid a sight to behold both day and night.

Pagla Masjid is a universal sacred religious center for people of all religions. People believe that if anyone donates something to Pagla Masjid with a sincere intention, then his heart's desire will be fulfilled. Because of such belief, people donate a lot to Pagla Mosque. Many people take vows in this mosque for various purposes such as heart desires, disease relief, higher education, getting children, etc. Not only money, many people donate gold ornaments, poultry, cattle and various goods.

Within a few months, the donation chests are filled with money. Usually the caskets are opened every 3 to 4 months. It is seen that every time more money is available than before. On August 17, 2024, cash of Tk 7 crore 22 lakh, many gold ornaments and foreign currency were found.

A portion of the money donated to the Pagla Mosque is spent on the salaries of the imams, muezzins, and servants of the mosque and maintenance of the mosque. Donations were made to the development of many nearby mosques and orphanages.

Besides, the money donated is spent on orphanages and madrasas. Some of the money is given as medical assistance to the poor local patients suffering from various complex diseases and financial assistance to the needy.

Currently, a mega project of 150 crore rupees has been undertaken for the modernization of Pagla Mosque. A beautiful Pagla Mosque Islamic Complex with 6 floors of international standards will be constructed here.

Historical Pagla Mosque is located very close to Gurdayal Government College and Modern Sadar Hospital in Kishoreganj district headquarters. You can go to Pagla Masjid by renting a rickshaw or easy bike from anywhere in Kishoreganj town.

Dhaka to Kishoreganj by train: There are 3 intercity trains from Kamalapur railway station to Kishoreganj. In the case of going to Kishoreganj by train, you will have a lot of time if you ride in the early hours of the morning. Train fare is Tk 135-368 depending on the class and takes about 4 hours. It will cost 50 to 80 taka to reach Pagla Masjid from Kishoreganj railway station by taking an autorickshaw reserve.

Dhaka to Kishoreganj by Bus: Ananya Parivan from Mohakhali in Dhaka, Ananya Classic and Golap Bagh (Syedabad), Ananya Super etc. buses ply on the Dhaka-Kishoreganj route. Bus fare is Tk 270-350. It will take around 3 and a half hours from Mohakhali and around 4 hours from Golapbagh. From Kishoreganj bus stand you can go directly to Pagla Mosque by rickshaw fare of Tk 30-40.

In the city of Kishoreganj, you can eat your favorite food at Gangchil, Taj, Dhansindi, River View, Dosai Restaurant, Pansi etc. And if you are crazy about sweets, you can visit Lakshi Narayan Sweets Bhandar or Madan Gopal in Ekrampur.

For overnight stays, Station Road in Kishoreganj Sadar has several good quality residential hotels including Hotel Sheraton, River View, Gangchil, Nirala, Ujan Bhati, Castle Salam. Apart from that, subject to permission, you can stay in the government post office bungalow of the district headquarters.

Among the notable tourist places in Kishoreganj district are Sholakia Eidgah Maidan , Kabi Chandravati Mandir , Gangatia Zamindar Bari , Kishoreganj Lake Park , Isha Khan Jangalbari Durg , Balikhla , Mithamin Haor and Nikli Haor etc.