Bangladeshi Mosque Shut Down in Malaysia

Malaysia Correspondent – A mosque built 13 years ago for the Bangladeshi community in Malaysia has been shut down.

Located in the Jalan Nagasari area of Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, the mosque was established by Bangladeshis residing in the area. The mosque, named ‘Surau Al Khayr,’ was shut down by the Kuala Lumpur City Corporation (DBKL).

The closure occurred on Friday, December 6, just before the Jumu’ah prayer, in the presence of officials from the Kuala Lumpur City Corporation and the Department of Islamic Affairs.

Reports indicate that 13 years ago, Bangladeshi businessman Haji Kabir took the initiative to build the mosque beside his shop in an empty space to facilitate daily prayers for fellow Bangladeshi expatriates. Later, under the supervision of expatriate businessmen like Dato Kalim, Ismail, and Russell Rana, the mosque was built with a cost of nearly 60,000 Malaysian Ringgit. Local residents also prayed at this mosque, and people from various communities, including Bangladeshis, attended the Jumu’ah prayers.

When asked about the reason for the mosque’s closure, Russell Rana, who was overseeing the mosque, stated that authorities claimed the mosque was constructed on land owned by the city corporation, which is against Malaysian law. Foreign nationals must comply with local administrative regulations.

Rohim Chaklader, a Bangladeshi expatriate who came to the mosque for Jumu’ah prayers, said, “Thousands of Bangladeshis live in Bukit Bintang, and this was the only Bangladeshi mosque here.”

The Kuala Lumpur City Corporation (DBKL) officials explained that there are many mosques in the area where Bangladeshis can pray. However, it is illegal to establish a mosque or any structure on land owned by the corporation without permission. Malaysian law is strict on such matters.

A responsible official also claimed there were complaints that political activities were being conducted around the mosque. No member of the Surau Al Khayr mosque committee was willing to comment on the allegations.