Model Mosque in Darkness: Unpaid Bills Leave Worshippers in the Dark During Ramadan
Behind its modern architectural design and grand government inauguration, a stark reality has emerged at the Nalitabari Upazila Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre in Sherpur. With nearly BDT 828,000 in unpaid electricity bills, the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) disconnected the power supply about a month and a half ago. As a result, worshippers are now offering Tarawih prayers by candlelight during the holy month of Ramadan.
According to relevant sources, since its inauguration in January 2023, the mosque authorities have not paid a single electricity bill over the past 35 months. BPDB Residential Engineer Abdul Momin stated that the mosque operates on an ST (High Tension) line, meaning that even without electricity consumption, a monthly demand charge exceeding BDT 15,000 is incurred. Given the mosque’s extensive lighting, fans and air-conditioning systems, the total monthly bill ranges between BDT 35,000 and 40,000. After prolonged non-payment and no visible initiative to clear the dues, the electricity connection was officially disconnected on January 6.
The situation has also raised broader concerns about the absence of renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels, in the architectural design of model mosques across the country. Despite being equipped with modern facilities, these structures remain fully dependent on grid electricity.
Environmentalists and local residents have pointed out that despite having a large rooftop area, the mosque lacks any solar power system. There was no provision for utilising natural daylight or solar energy in facilities such as the library, research centre or training centre during daytime operations. As a result, the local management committee is struggling to meet the substantial electricity expenses of the large complex, particularly in the absence of dedicated government funding.
Under the regulations of the Islamic Foundation, the government bears the cost of only up to 100 units of electricity per month, amounting to approximately BDT 1,500 to 2,000. The remaining significant amount is expected to be covered through donations from worshippers—an effort that has proven insufficient.
Rezwana Afrin, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and President of the Mosque Management Committee, said the mosque’s distance from the upazila town and the lack of a specific government allocation for bill payments following handover have created the current complications. She added that discussions are underway at higher levels to resolve the issue.
However, local worshippers have expressed frustration over having to pray in darkness during Ramadan. Donor member Panna said, “We have been offering prayers in the dark until the third day of Ramadan. The youth of the area are now trying to arrange a prepaid meter on their own initiative.”
The power department has made it clear that, in accordance with higher authority directives, reconnection will not be possible without settlement of the outstanding dues. Concerned stakeholders suggest that to prevent similar crises in the future, installing prepaid meters in model mosques and integrating long-term solar power solutions would be essential steps.
DBTech/DPO/EK/OR
