SUNAMGANJ - THE GREEN MOSQUE

Approaching Sunamganj, with its large collection of Raj period buildings, and the launch ghat that is the gateway to the great natural heritage site of Tanguar Haor, a glimpse behind trees of astonishingly lovely minarets leads you to the Green Mosque.

Built in the early part of the twentieth century by the Zaminder who lived in the adjoining Zaminderbari, it spared no expense in the lavishness of its construction.

Italian marble covers the floors of both storeys, and Japanese ceramics the walls. Extraordinary mosaics form both all the domes and minarets, and features within.

Standing on the bank of one of the many tributaries of the great Shurma River, it stands alone, looking out across great agricultural plains. The hospitable denizens of the mosque are welcoming, and happy to share their pride in this fine construction. Representing as it does the fruit of the religious tolerance that was a hallmark of the Raj period; it also has a great tradition of continuing that tolerance. Hindu temples, Buddhist remnants and Christian Churches are all much in evidence in the area, and it isn’t so far to that lasting monument to Animism at Jaintiapur Palace.

There is so much to attract in both the natural environment of the area, and its cultural heritage that no visitor to Bangladesh should miss it, or this well maintained mosque that represents so much of the best of the country.