Rupganj Correspondent : A unique initiative has been launched at the Jamé Mosque located inside the lush greenery of Zinda Park in Rupganj, Narayanganj. Worshippers attending prayers are now required to register their attendance using a fingerprint scanner or digital card. This technological system not only maintains discipline in prayer but also digitally records the presence of every attendee. Each time a worshipper enters the mosque for any of the five daily prayers, their attendance is logged automatically. At the end of the month, a personal “record of deeds” is generated, showing how many prayers were performed in congregation.
Standing on one bigha of land inside the scenic Zinda Park, the mosque is as unique in its architecture as it is in its rules. Praying alone is not enough; every worshipper’s presence is digitally recorded. The attendance data is then used to prepare a monthly performance sheet. This rule currently applies only to staff members of Zinda Park. If any staff member fails to offer prayers regularly, a portion of their salary is deducted. Those who attend all five daily prayers receive special incentives. According to the mosque authorities, this system is aimed not only at promoting religious practice but also honesty and moral discipline.
The mosque was built in 2008 by the Agrapathik Palli Samiti with the goal of creating a morally conscious and religiously observant community. As one enters, three small domes can be seen above the gateway, while a larger dome crowns the main structure — an impressive sight even from afar. The open courtyard fills with worshippers during prayer times. To the north lies the ablution area and washroom, with a separate section for female worshippers. Interestingly, the mosque has no doors or windows, allowing cool air to circulate freely and enabling easy access for anyone wishing to pray at any time.
The inner flooring is made of expensive teak wood, and there are nine entrances in total. The walls are adorned with palm tree carvings reminiscent of Mughal architecture. Above the northern and southern sides of the main structure, inscriptions invite people to come for prayer. Entry, however, requires fingerprint identification.
Park staff member Kamruzzaman says, “We want to leave something good for the next generation. Honesty, sincerity and dedication — with these, an ideal society can be built. That is why prayer is compulsory here. If someone neglects prayer, a fine is deducted. If one refuses to pray altogether, they cannot work or remain a member of the association.”
Daily attendance is stored in a digital system. At the end of the month, performance reports are generated. Regular worshippers receive incentives, while those who are careless lose five per cent of their salary. Former muezzin Nazimuddin Gazi states, “Cleanliness, truthfulness and prayer — these are mandatory for all staff. Attendance is kept so that our deeds are recorded for the Hereafter.”
Imam Maulana Najibullah adds, “This is not coercion but an effort to uphold religious duty. The system does not apply to non-Muslims. Our aim is to establish prayer, just as Allah has commanded.”
There is even a digital attendance system for students at the Little Angels Seminary within the park. The focus is to encourage them to start their day with the dawn prayer. According to the authorities, while such a system may not be feasible in cities, it can easily be implemented in rural institutions.
