Wazir Ali Ahmed began the expansion, and his sons Mofizuddin Ahmed and Shafiuddin Ahmed continued the decoration in the mid 20th century.

What materials were used for the decoration?

About 23 tonnes of china and glass pieces and 283 pieces of marble.

Where did the ceramic pieces come from?

They were brought from Kolkata.

Can non-Muslims visit?

Yes, outside prayer times, with modest clothing and shoes removed.

Where is Chini Mosque (চিনি মসজিদ), Saidpur located?

Chini Mosque (চিনি মসজিদ), Saidpur is in Nilphamari, Bangladesh. The street address and directions are under How to get there on this page.

What is near Chini Mosque (চিনি মসজিদ), Saidpur?

Explore the area on this page lists 1 place around Chini Mosque (চিনি মসজিদ), Saidpur, with the distance to each.

When was Chini Mosque built?

Construction began in 1863, and the first small prayer house was finished within a year.

How long should I spend at Chini Mosque (চিনি মসজিদ), Saidpur?

Most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes at Chini Mosque (চিনি মসজিদ), Saidpur.

What is the best time to visit Chini Mosque (চিনি মসজিদ), Saidpur?

The best months to visit Chini Mosque (চিনি মসজিদ), Saidpur are November to February.

How many minarets does it have?

It has 27 minarets, five of which were never completed.

Is there an entry fee?

No. It is a working mosque and entry is free.

How do I get to Saidpur?

Saidpur has a domestic airport with flights from Dhaka and a railway station on the northern line.

Which airport is closest to Chini Mosque (চিনি মসজিদ), Saidpur?

Saidpur Airport (SPD) is the airport for Chini Mosque (চিনি মসজিদ), Saidpur, about 4.3 km away in a straight line.

Chini Mosque (চিনি মসজিদ), Saidpur

Q: Who founded the mosque?

Haji Bakir Ali Ahmed started the mosque.

No reviews yet One of 2 Things to Do in Nilphamari

Saidpur, Nilphamari, Bangladesh

Claim Flag

Overview Highlights Location Policies Reviews Q&A Missing some information? Yes /

In short

Chini Mosque, or the Glass Mosque, in Saidpur town, Nilphamari, northern Bangladesh, is a working mosque begun in 1863 and enlarged by the founder's family over the following decades, its walls and domes covered in mosaic of broken china and glass. Entry is free. Thirty to 45 minutes suits travellers passing through Saidpur.

Chini Mosque, also called the Glass Mosque, is a working mosque in Saidpur town, Nilphamari district, in the Rangpur Division of northern Bangladesh, known for walls and domes covered in mosaic of broken china and glass. It suits travellers interested in decorative architecture and anyone passing through Saidpur.

Built from 1863 and enlarged by the founder's family

Haji Bakir Ali Ahmed started the mosque in 1863, and within a year it was finished as a small prayer house. The building then grew in stages. Wazir Ali Ahmed, from the founder's family, began extending and remodelling it. In the mid-20th century his sons, Mofizuddin Ahmed and Shafiuddin Ahmed, cloth merchants in the town, carried on the decoration. The ceramic pieces are said to have been brought from Kolkata, as the region had no ceramic factory at the time.

23 tonnes of china chips and 283 pieces of marble

The name comes from chini, the Bengali word for china or porcelain. About 23 tonnes of chips of china plates, porcelain and coloured and clear glass were pressed into the walls and domes, set with 283 pieces of marble. Floral and geometric patterns run across the facade, and the skyline bristles with 27 minarets, five of which were never finished.

Fact-checked by the bookingMentor Travel Desk Reviewed November 4, 2026 · Updated when rules or prices change

We check practical details such as entry rules, seasons and costs against official government and tourism sources.

–/5 No reviews yet

Been here? Your review helps other travellers.

Key information

🕌Founded: 1863

🗼Minarets: 27

🏺Decoration: China and glass mosaic

🕐Time Zone: Bangladesh Standard Time (UTC+6)

Explore the area

View in a map

Kantajew Temple (কান্তজিউ মন্দির) 22.4 km

See all about this area

✦ Plan your visit to Chini Mosque (চিনি মসজিদ), Saidpur Dates, opening hours and how to get there are below. Booking ahead secures your preferred day.

Highlights Include:

Architecture

Porcelain mosaic facade
Floral patterns
27 minarets