Bajra Shahi Mosque

The historical mosque built in Bajra Union of Sonaimuri Upazila of Noakhali District is named Bajra Shahi Mosque. Bajra Shahi Masjid is modeled on the design of Shahi Jame Masjid in Delhi. According to historical sources, in 1741-42, Zamindar Amanullah dug a huge pond on 30 acres of land and built an attractive mosque at the western end of the pond. The Bajra Shahi Mosque with its beautiful entrance arch is about 116 feet in length, about 74 feet in width and about 20 feet in height of the mosque. The 3-domed mosque is built about 20 feet below the ground. The dome is decorated with beautiful marble stones. The interior of the mosque has 3 arched doorways and 3 carved mihrabs facing the Qibla. A few more domes can be seen on the mosque's entrance pylon. The traditional Bajra Shahi Mosque was renovated for the first time in 1909, almost 177 years after its construction.

It is popularly known that vowing anything at Bajra Shahi Mosque will bring good results. Therefore, people from far and wide come to Bajra Shahi Mosque to offer prayers and donate money and clothes to the mosque in the hope of getting rid of incurable diseases. Since November 29, 1998, the Bangladesh Archeology Department has been working to protect the heritage of the historic Bajra Shahi Mosque and preserve the rare artifacts.

Maulana Shah Abu Siddiq began his duties as the first imam of the Bajra Shahi Mosque from the Holy Kaaba Sharif in Saudi Arabia at the request of Mughal Emperor Mohammad Shah. Descendants of Maulana Shah Abu Siddique have been performing the duties of Imam of Bajra Shahi Masjid for ages. At present, Imam Hasan Siddiqui, the 7th son of Shah Abu Siddiqui, is appointed as Imam in Bajra Shahi Mosque.

The distance of Bajra Mosque from Maizdi city is 15 km. Arriving at Maijdi in Noakhali by bus or train, take any local bus, CNG or auto rickshaw towards Bajra Hospital and proceed 200 yards to reach Bajra Shahi Mosque. Or by bus from Bajra bus stand, rickshaw or walk to Bajra Shahi Masjid complex.

From Dhaka Syedabad Bus Terminal, you can take Ekushey Express, Moonline Enterprise, Himachal Express buses to Maijdi in Noakhali. Ekushe Paribahan bus leaves for Noakhali from Dhanmondi Jigatla counter at 10:20 PM. The non-AC and AC coach fares of these buses range from Tk 500 to Tk 550.

From Dhaka, take the train to Maijdi station in Noakhali. An intercity train named Upkul Express departs for Noakhali from Kamalapur in Dhaka at 4:20 PM on 6 days of the week except Thursday, it takes about 6 hours to reach Maijdi. Ticket fare till Maijdi station is 315 taka.

There are several mid-range residential hotels to stay in Noakhali. In addition to low-cost overnight accommodation, almost every residential hotel has a food court. Notable hotels include – Pubali Hotel ( 0321-61257 ), Circuit House, Royal Hotel, Hotel Al Morshed ( 0321-62173 ), Town Hall, Hotel Rafsan ( 0321-61395 ), Hotel Liton, Noakhali Guest House.