US embassy announces USD 235,000 grant to restore historic mosque in Dhaka

Dhaka: The United States has announced a USD 235,000 grant to restore the historic Mughal-era Musa Khan Mosque located on the premises of the University of Dhaka in the capital, reinforcing a long-standing cultural partnership between the two countries.

The funding, provided through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), was announced by Brent T. Christensen at an event held on the university campus. He was joined by Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury and Director General of the Department of Archaeology Sabina Alam.

According to U.S. Mission Spokesperson Poornima Rai, the project will focus on restoring the mosque’s original Islamic architectural features, creating a permanent digital archive, and training young architects in heritage preservation techniques.

The initiative will be implemented in partnership with the Department of Archaeology, aiming to safeguard one of Dhaka’s important historical landmarks for future generations.

Officials said the grant is part of a broader U.S.-Bangladesh cultural cooperation spanning over 25 years. During this period, the United States has funded 13 preservation projects across Bangladesh, with total contributions exceeding USD 1 million.

The restoration of the Musa Khan Mosque is expected not only to protect a significant Mughal-era structure but also to enhance awareness and capacity in cultural heritage conservation across the country.