Digital Heritage Drive: $235,000 Grant to Build Archive for Mughal Musa Khan Mosque

Alongside restoration work, a permanent digital archive is being established for the Mughal-era historic Musa Khan Mosque located within the Curzon Hall premises of the University of Dhaka. To this end, the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka has announced a grant of $235,000 from the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).

The grant was jointly announced on Tuesday, 31 March, at the mosque premises by U.S. Ambassador Brent T. Christensen, Cultural Affairs Adviser Nitai Roy Chowdhury, and Director General of the Department of Archaeology Sabina Alam.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the project titled “Raised Platform Mughal Musa Khan Mosque – Restoration and Preservation,” Cultural Affairs Adviser Nitai Roy Chowdhury said that the Musa Khan Mosque, built on an elevated platform, is a unique example of the country’s rich Mughal architectural heritage. Through this project, the mosque will be restored to its original form while fully preserving its historical integrity. He emphasized that safeguarding symbols of national identity and unity is a sacred responsibility for future generations.

He expressed hope that this joint initiative would play a significant role in advancing cultural tourism, expanding research opportunities, and inspiring the younger generation to preserve heritage. He also described the project as a successful model for future heritage conservation efforts.

At the event, the adviser extended sincere thanks to U.S. Ambassador Brent T. Christensen for his special contribution and cooperation. In his concluding remarks, he said that collective efforts, mutual goodwill, and unity are essential to making the world a better place.

Among those present at the inauguration were University of Dhaka Vice-Chancellor A B M Obaidul Islam, along with officials from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka.

It was announced at the event that the project will be implemented by the Department of Archaeology with funding from the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). The initiative further strengthens the 25-year cultural partnership between the United States and Bangladesh.

Regarding the project, U.S. Mission spokesperson Purnima Roy stated that under this grant program, more than $1 million has already been invested in 13 projects across the country. In collaboration with the Department of Archaeology of Bangladesh, the United States will support the restoration of the mosque’s Islamic architectural features, the establishment of a permanent digital archive, and the training of young architects in preserving Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.

DBTech/SH/MUM/OR