By Syed Zakir Hossain

The threat of demolition still hangs over the century old Haji Mainuddin mosque at Malitola in the old part of the city despite appeals of saving it as a heritage site from the civil society and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

After visiting the mosque in October, Wolfgang Vollmann, the Country Representative of the Unesco, requested the archaeology department to find out what measures could be taken for conservation of the mosque built in 1896.

But the site officer of the archaeology department Abu Bakar Siddique and Engineer Munir submitted their preliminary report mentioning that the mosque did not meet certain criteria of protection as the area of the original mosque has been extended while the original structure was kept intact.

"The Mughal architects introduced this type of architecture. We have lost the technique of brick lime structure and it would be unwise to destroy this precious example of Mughal expertise," said architect Rafiq Azam, an expert on urban affairs while visiting the mosque.

"It is surprising to get such a decision from the archaeological department as many archaeological heritage has been extended with the original structure remaining untouched," said Azam.

"In no way it is fair to demolish an old piece of archaeology because the 'Philistine' crowd is not sensible enough to preserve its sophistication or artistic grandeur. The conservation of this mosque of antiquity, particularly its three magnificent domes essential for keeping alive the valuable tradition and legacy of our rich past for the posterity," wrote Tasmia Nuzhat Khan, one of the grand daughters of Haji Mainuddin in a letter to the Daily Star.

The family members of Haji Mainuddin who inherited the status of mutwalli or caretaker of the mosque have been in charge of maintaining it for generations.

The present generation of Haji Mainuddin's family, who have inherited the mosque, were reportedly trying to arrange funds to construct a five-storied mosque on top of the structure which will certainly mean demolishing it's three majestic tombs.

Tasmia also wrote that the demands of the worshippers and the pressure created by the local community leaders forced the family of Haji Mainuddin to agree rather reluctantly, to renovate it.

But family members of Tasmia think that the responsibility to accommodate an ever-increasing number of worshippers should not rest with the family alone.

"We have asked the Archaeology department about the maintenance of the old domes but they have informed that even if they protect the site they will not be able to provide maintenance cost for the preservation of the mosque," said Md. Nasiruddin, the present mutualli.

"There are other mosques in the area but none with the same aesthetic splendour. The worshippers can easily go to those mosques which are within half a kilometre from the Haji Mainuddin mosque," said a local resident.

In recent years the Malitola area has become a bustling centre of trade, and is particularly known for being home to a variety of wholesale markets. At prayer time, the merchants and the shop owners and local residents all rush to the Haji Mainuddin mosque which is unable to accommodate such a large number of people.

The family of Haji Mainuddin also feared that if the government didn't come forward to save the historical masterpiece, they won't be able to stave off the pressure of the local people and worshippers who want more accommodation in the mosque.

"We have received the preliminary report and I am looking into the matter so that the mosque could be protected," said Dewan Delwar Hossain, the director of archaeology department.

Rafiq Azam suggested that the archaeology department declares the mosque as a protected site so that no one is able to demolish anything without the permission of the department. A committee could be formed with representation of archaeologists, architects, journalists, the caretaker family and other people who would like to contribute to the conservation of the heritage site.

The mosque is named after Haji Mauniddin, a textile merchant, who had inherited the status of its first mutwalli. His father Zangu Bepary and uncle Jan Mohammad had settled by the bank of Dholai Khal(now a part of English road) in 1890. The mosque was built in 1896 on one and a half katha of land primarily to cater for their family needs. Back then, Malitola was a predominantly a Hindu area and there were only two Muslim families including theirs.