Sun Photo Musa Khan Mosque, named after the son of Isa Khan, is still carrying the legacy of Baro Bhuiyans (twelve landlords) of medieval Bengal and attracting art-loving people for its architectural beauty. The historic three-dome mosque stands at the north-west corner of Musa Khan’s grave under Red Polash (Butea Monosperma) beside Shahidullah Hall of Dhaka University. Famous for its architectural beauty, the mosque is hardly visible from a distance as it lies surrounded with high-rise buildings. The last piece of legacy of Baro Bhuiyans needs immediate renovation. Although this mosque has lost its attraction a bit for lack of care and maintenance, it is still considered as one of the most beautiful buildings for its unique design. Anybody coming to the mosque will first notice a signboard which introduces the mosque with the visitors. The western part of Curzon Hall areas is known as Bagh-e-Musa Khan. Musa Khan was the son of Isa Khan, one of the 12 mighty war chief-cum landlords of the medieval Bengal. The architectural design suggests that the mosque was constructed in the architectural fashion during the era of Shaista Khan and most probably it was built by Musa Khan’s son Masum Khan during the era of Shaista Khan when Shaista Khan was the Mughal governor of Bengal (1664 to 1688). The mosque has a vault platform, and over this plinth, there lies the main structure. It is a small mosque like many others during that period. It has three domes and the middle one is larger than the two. There has no clear history of Musa Khan Mosque. Historian Professor Muntasir Mamun in his book ‘Dhaka: Smriti Bismritir Nagari’ mentioned that the present Shahidullah Hall area was known as Bagh e-Musa during the Mughal period. After his death, Musha Khan was buried in the area. A mosque was built there and named after Musha Khan. Another historian Hakim Habibur Rahman, in his book ‘Asugdan e Dhaka’ claims that the mosque was built by Musa khan. But two other historians Professor M Hassan Dani and Abul Kalam Mohammad Jakaria in a book ‘Archaeological Treasures of Bangladesh’ said probably Musa Khan’s son Masum Khan or grandson Dewan Munwar Khan built this mosque during the reign of Shaista Khan. During a visit to the historic building, it was found that the mosque is now in a dilapidated condition. The wall of the historic mosque is getting damaged. Various wild plants is covered the main The mosque has lost its original color as various wild plants have grown on its different parts. Sufian, a student of Dhaka University said it is an asset of the country but the authorities have done their job only by erecting a signboard beside the mosque. “They (authorities) should take steps to save the mosque of historical importance. Amin Mohammed, now serving as caretaker of the mosque said, “This old structure is carrying the legacy of ‘Baro Bhuiyans’. Steps should be taken to protect the mosque as it is a part of our national heritage.” Many people still say their prayers in the mosque five times every day, he added. Some devotees urged the authorities to protect the mosque. “The mosque is our pride, but it is a regret that there is none to take care of it.
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