One of Bangladesh’s most storied religious institutions, the Pagla Mosque in Kishoreganj, has stepped into the digital age. The mosque authorities officially launched a website today that allows people from home and abroad to learn about the mosque’s heritage—and to donate online through mobile payments.
The website, www. paglamosque. org, was inaugurated by Kishoreganj’s Deputy Commissioner and Mosque Complex President, Fauzia Khan, who herself donated BDT 5,400 via mobile payment during the event.
Through this platform, donors can now contribute amounts ranging from BDT 50 to BDT 1,000—or any amount—using local gateways.
“Pagla Mosque is not just a place of worship for Kishoreganj residents. It holds emotional value for people across the country,” said the DC. “People believe donations here fulfill prayers. That’s why we created an online way to give.”
Indeed, belief and generosity have collided in remarkable ways. Pagla Mosque’s donation boxes, opened every few months, yield massive amounts of cash and valuables. The last unsealing on April 12 brought in a record BDT 9.17 crore from eleven iron boxes—adding to a bank reserve of roughly BDT 90 crore. Beyond money, donors regularly leave behind gold, foreign currency, livestock, and even poultry.
The mosque committee says that donation funds are used to support local mosques, madrassas, orphanages, and aid those suffering from complex illnesses. Yet, the scale of funds has led to much bigger dreams.
Plans are now underway to build a 115-crore Islamic complex spanning five acres. The six-storey structure is expected to accommodate 40,000 worshippers, with dedicated spaces for women, academic buildings, and VIP lodging for top state officials.
While the grandeur may reflect ambition, questions may arise over priorities: how religious contributions are allocated, and how spiritual belief intersects with state-backed megaprojects.
The launch event was attended by religious leaders, police officials, and politicians—including Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ramzan Ali and Islami Andolan’s district head Maulana Alomgir.
As the digital donation gateway opens, Pagla Mosque seems poised to attract even more funds. Whether this leap blends faith and service—or drifts into religious spectacle—is a question many observers will continue to ask.
