RAJAPUR, February 25, (V7N) — The historic 'Paka Masjid,' a four-century-old architectural marvel in Rajapur upazila, is facing an existential threat due to a severe lack of conservation. Located in Durgapur village of Galua union, the single-domed mosque stands as a rare testament to the Mughal-era heritage of the region, yet it is currently succumbing to neglect and environmental decay.

Situated approximately one kilometer east of Galua Bazar on the Bhandaria-Rajapur highway, the mosque is believed by locals to have been constructed during the Mughal period, around 1122 CE (according to an ancient inscription found nearby). Its design—featuring thick walls, intricate Islamic carvings, and a lime-mortar finish—reflects the transition between the Sultanate and Mughal architectural styles, making it a unique cultural landmark in Jhalakathi.

Historians note that the mosque was originally cared for by a devout figure named Mahmud Khan Akon (locally known as Mamuji). While it was nearly in ruins prior to the independence of Bangladesh, it saw partial restoration through local philanthropy. Recognizing its historical value, the Department of Archaeology listed it as a protected heritage site in 1999 and conducted government-funded renovations at the time.

However, nearly three decades later, the structure is once again in peril. The dome and exterior walls are heavily blanketed in moss, salt stains (salinity) have begun to corrode the brickwork, and structural cracks are appearing. Despite its deteriorating state, the mosque remains an active place of worship, hosting five daily prayers and drawing large congregations during Friday Jumu'ah and the holy month of Ramadan.

The site continues to attract history enthusiasts and tourists from across the country, drawn by its antiquity and spiritual significance. Local activists and residents have now urged the newly formed government to include the restoration of the Paka Mosque in its immediate heritage preservation agenda. They emphasize that without sustainable restoration and regular maintenance, this 400-year-old link to Bengal's Islamic history may soon be lost forever.

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