Under Construction: Kashiani Model Mosque - Photo: BSS

GOPALGANJ, Feb 05, 2025(BSS)-The construction work of the Kashiani Model Mosque of the district is yet to be completed within six years after the beginning of the work, official sources said here today.

Officials of the Public Works Department (PWD) said extension of time limits in various occasions and changing of contractor are the main reasons of delay in the progress, sources added.

The construction work of the mosque cum Islamic cultural centre was started in 2019 at a cost of Taka 12.75 crore by a joint venture company. 

The PWD gave 18 months time to the company to complete the construction work of the mosque. 

The construction firm set up a temporary mosque by the side of the proposed model mosque site and the PWD handed over the land to the firm on November 19 in 2020.

The  firm initially completed the piling works and setting up of service lines but later requested the PWD to cancel the agreement as prices of construction materials increased significantly. 

The PWD cancelled the agreement and gave work order to another company and instructed them to complete the work within 18 months.

When contacted, Torab Hossain, owner of the later signed company told BSS that the construction of the minarets and the domes of the mosque have already been completed and the entire works would be completed within next December.
 
Swarnendu Shekhhar Mondal, Executive Engineer of the PWD Gopalganj told BSS that the delay in construction of the mosque was  due to the negligence of the first firm and formalities to appoint a new one. The construction work of the mosque is progressing fast now and it would be completed within four to five months, he added.