Pagla Mosque donation boxes yield record Tk 15.90cr in latest count

The donation boxes of the historic Pagla Mosque in Kishoreganj have yielded a record Tk 15,90,80,146 crore — the highest single collection in the mosque's history — when its 13 boxes were opened and counted on Saturday (June 27).

The entire sum subsequently deposited into the mosque's account at Rupali Bank, confirmed by Rupali Bank Assistant General Manager Mohammad Ali Haresi.

The count, which engaged more than 400 personnel and ran until nearly 9:00pm. In addition to local currency packed into 43 sacks, the boxes also contained a quantity of foreign currencies and gold and silver ornaments, which have been placed in treasury custody pending auction.

The boxes were opened at 7:00am in the presence of District Commissioner and Mosque Committee President Sohana Nasrin and Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration) Md Nazmous Sakib Khan. Counting was carried out by teachers and students of the Pagla Mosque Complex Madrasa, students of the city's Al Jamiatil Imdadia Madrasa, and Rupali Bank staff. Currency notes were sorted by denomination before being processed through bank counting machines and bundled.

The previous opening, on December 27 last year, yielded Tk 11 crore 78 lakh 48 thousand 538 from 35 sacks. The boxes are ordinarily opened every three months, but the latest interval stretched to six months due to the national election, flooding, and other disruptions. District Commissioner Nasrin noted that, excluding Saturday's collection, the mosque's bank account already holds Tk 114 crore 13 lakh 7 thousand 352.

Beyond cash, devotees regularly donate livestock, poultry, pigeons, milk, and vegetables, which are auctioned publicly each afternoon with proceeds deposited to the mosque's account. Foreign currencies and jewellery are similarly auctioned in due course.

The donation fund covers mosque maintenance, salaries of Ansar personnel, grants to critically ill patients in extreme poverty, and other operational expenses. District Commissioner Nasrin also disclosed plans to construct a ten-storey multipurpose mosque and Islamic complex at the site using the accumulated donations.

Heavy security — comprising police, RAB, and Ansar personnel — was deployed throughout the counting exercise.