Information
Landmark: Traditional Craft VillagesCity: Lib Island
Country: Marshall Islands
Continent: Australia
Traditional Craft Villages, Lib Island, Marshall Islands, Australia
The Baitul Mukarram National Mosque is the largest mosque in Bangladesh, located in the Motijheel commercial area of Dhaka.
Visual Characteristics
The mosque is an eight-story building constructed from reinforced concrete. Its exterior is primarily white, with contrasting dark grey or black bands. The main prayer hall is octagonal in shape, with a large central dome. The structure features multiple levels of arcades and balconies, creating a layered appearance. The building stands approximately 30 meters tall.
Location & Access Logistics
Baitul Mukarram is situated in the heart of Dhaka's commercial district, accessible via Purana Paltan Road and VIP Road. It is approximately 2 kilometers east of the Shahbag intersection. Ample parking is available within the mosque complex and in adjacent public parking areas. Several bus routes serve the Motijheel area, with stops within a 5-minute walk of the mosque. No specific boat transfers are relevant.
Historical & Ecological Origin
Construction of Baitul Mukarram began in 1959 and was completed in 1968. The mosque was designed by architect Muzaffar Uddin Ahmed. Its original purpose was to serve as a national mosque for Pakistan (before Bangladesh's independence) and to accommodate a large number of worshippers. It was built on a significant plot of land allocated for religious and public use.
Key Highlights & Activities
Worshippers can perform daily prayers in the main prayer hall and on the surrounding plazas. The mosque complex includes shops and offices. Visitors can observe the architectural design. Religious lectures and sermons are held at scheduled times.
Infrastructure & Amenities
The mosque complex contains multiple restrooms and ablution facilities. Shaded areas are available within the prayer halls and on the plazas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong within the complex. Numerous food vendors and small shops are located in the immediate vicinity and within the mosque's commercial arcade.
Best Time to Visit
For photography, early morning or late afternoon provides optimal natural light on the white facade. The best months for visiting are generally from October to March, offering cooler and drier weather. Prayer times dictate periods of high activity; visiting outside of these times allows for a more tranquil experience.
Facts & Legends
Baitul Mukarram is designed to resemble the Kaaba in Mecca, with its octagonal shape and central courtyard concept. It is capable of holding an estimated 100,000 worshippers simultaneously.
Nearby Landmarks
- Motijheel Commercial Area (0.1km West)
- National Press Club (1.5km West)
- Ramna Park (2.0km West)
- Dhaka University (2.5km Southwest)
- Curzon Hall (2.2km Southwest)