Centuries-old Shankar Pasha Mosque still attracts visitors

SYLHET, July 04: Shankar Pasha Shahi Masjid, a unique architectural structure of the Sultan era in Habiganj district, still attracts many visitors every day for its historical importance.
The mosque is located on a hillock spread over 03 acres of land at remote Uchail village under Rajiura union.
The mosque was built in the 15th century by Great saint Majlish Amin, a member of the 12-men group, all followers of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA).
Later, it was made an attractive structure during the regime (1493-1519) of Sultan Alauddin Hossain Shah, the ruler of Muslim Bengal. It is 21.5 feet by 21.5 feet with a 15.3ft verandah.
A large tomb is there over the top of main structure and 3 others of smaller size over the veranda. All the 14 door and windows are almost same size. The 3 side walls are of 5 feet thick and the western one is of 10 feet thick.
'Carnish' on the front wall and roof is built carve. The decorated pillars with unique designs of artistic work are built on the four corners of the main structure and on the two corners of the main verandah.
The old uniquely built structure bears the attraction from the Sultan-era design. The inner wall design of artistic beauty with flowers easily draws visitors' attention.
However, there are various beautification motifs too on the outer wall of the mosque structure. The shilalipi (stone inscription) has already been damaged with the lapse of ages amid lack of architectural protection by proper authorities.
The grave of Hazrat Shah Majlis Amin is on the south side of the mosque with a large pond near. People from various areas visit the mosque and the shrine every day with various desires.
The old historic mosque has already lost much of its beauty due to absence of proper maintenance and care.
But, a sign of the department of archeology hanged on mosque wall with a call to protect the site over 3 decades ago had been stolen by now.
Contacted, Shamim Ahmed, president of the mosque committee, told this correspondent that with the public assistance and government allocation, beautification of the structure is underway.
"We need to build a rest house for the visitors, who come from long distances," he added.
However, some vested quarters occupied the large six-acre pond of the historic mosque illegally long ago, he said.
Habiganj Deputy Commissioner Zilufa Sultana assured that they would look into the matter soon.
During her visit to the mosque last week, she assured the mosque management committee that a washroom for visitors would be built and development of the link road would be done.
She also said that the department of archeology would be requested to develop, renovate and beautify the histrionic structure as soon as possible.

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