Prayers suspended at mosque for 5 days

Daily Bijoy News Pirgacha (Rangpur) Correspondent:

For the past five days, the Azan and prayers have been suspended at a Jama Masjid in Pirgacha, Rangpur. The mosque's president and the person performing the duties of the muezzin, Zillur Rahman (65), has locked the mosque's gate himself. This incident took place at the North Kaikuri Kurshapara Jama Masjid in Kaikuri Union of the upazila.

Local sources report that after Jumu'ah prayers on Friday (May 2), an argument broke out between Zillur Rahman and a local man, Firoz Mia, over land ownership and mosque management. At one point, an enraged Zillur Rahman publicly locked the mosque. Five days have passed since then, but the Azan and prayers have yet to resume in the mosque.

Firoz Mia stated that about 60 years ago, the late Yasin Bepari built a small prayer room in the village, which was later established as the North Kaikuri Kurshapara Jama Masjid at the request of local worshippers. Additionally, 9 decimals of land were dedicated as waqf for the mosque's adjacent Eidgah field.

He alleged that Zillur Rahman, using his influence, recently appointed himself as the muezzin and is trying to turn the mosque into his personal property. To prevent villagers from entering the mosque, he has blocked the main gate with a wall.

When asked about the allegations, Zillur Rahman said, "My family donated the land for the mosque and built its infrastructure. We bear all expenses, including electricity bills. Firoz Mia and his family are outsiders in this community."

After the mosque was locked, police, local leaders, and journalists arrived at the scene. Regarding the matter, local UP Chairman Nur Alam said, "After Jumu'ah prayers on Friday, I held a meeting with both groups. At that time, a chase and counter-chase incident occurred. Later, as tensions escalated, the mosque was locked. If the administration wishes, they can unlock it at any time."

Rangpur District Police Superintendent Abu Sayem said, "If a complaint is filed, arrangements will be made to unlock the mosque."

Daily Bijoy News / Atikur Rahman