Dhaka University officials held talks on Friday with representatives of the Turkish non-profit IDDEF over the reconstruction of the varsity’s central mosque complex, advancing plans for a modern facility that will combine worship space with education, research and other campus amenities. 

The delegation from IDDEF, led by its president Mehmet Turan and international coordinator Salahuddin Silan, met with Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan at the VC’s residence to review progress on the project and discuss next steps. University officials present included Treasurer Prof. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Proctor Prof. Saifuddin Ahmed, and Associate Professor Dr. Muha. Abdullah Al Mahmud of the Department of World Religions and Culture, the project architect and senior project officers.

University sources said a digital survey of the mosque site has already been completed and that the project team is finalising the mosque’s detailed design. The rebuilt complex, as outlined in the meeting, will not be only a prayer hall but a multipurpose campus facility – incorporating educational and research spaces, modern amenities, and infrastructure aimed at serving both spiritual and academic functions. An MoU between the university and IDDEF is expected to be signed soon, after which construction work will begin.

The administration characterised the initiative as a collaboration that blends philanthropic support with institutional needs: the university said it expects the reconstructed mosque to include state-of-the-art facilities and to broaden opportunities for interfaith scholarship and community engagement on campus. Officials indicated that once the final design is approved and paperwork completed, the parties will announce a construction timetable.

This is not the first sign of Turkish interest in the project: earlier reports have flagged Turkey’s role in providing technical and funding support for mosque redevelopment at Dhaka University, and the latest meeting signals movement from planning toward implementation. University administrators stressed that all design and construction will follow regulatory approvals and campus planning norms.