The Bangladesh Archaeological Department's director general, Md Hannan Mia, has expressed dissatisfaction over the low standard of renovation work being carried out at a 500-year-old mosque at Chhotosundar village under Rampur union in Sadar upazila of Chandpur.

He said the renovation was not being held in keeping with the instructions of his department.  He directed the engineer concerned, Rafiqul Islam, to follow the government's plan properly and flawlessly so that the mosque could be brought back to its original glory. He also warned the engineer against any irregularities.

Mannan Mia paid a sudden visit to the site of the mosque and lamented the poor quality of renovation.

Archaeology department regional director (Chattogram and Sylhet divisions)  Dr Ataur Rahman, regional director Rakhi Roy, deputy director Amiruzzaman, archaeological engineer Feroj Ahamed, assistant architect Khandaker Mahfuz Alam, field officer Md Khairul Bashar, Chandpur  archaeology department assistant director general Md Jamal Hossain, UNO Kanij Fatema, local UP Chairman Al Mamun Patwary, local AL leaders, among others, were present at the time of his visit.  Experts believe that the mosque was built during the regime of the Mughal emperor Aurangazeb.

The mosque gradually fell into disrepair and disappeared under a dense cover of trees and bushes. But it was accidentally discovered when locals were clearing some bushes and shrubs in the locality on August 29, 2018. National dailies and TV channels covered the news, following archaeological experts visited the site.

Local MP Dr Dipu Moni also visited the mosque and asked the archaeology department to preserve the structure. A team of experts visited the mosque on September 7 last year to get an idea about the scale of the work.