Barishal
A grand modern mosque complex in the village of Guthia, with domes, a tall minaret, a large pond and gardens, one of the best-known sights of the south.
The Baitul Aman Jame Masjid complex, known to everyone as the Guthia Mosque, stands in the village of Guthia in Wazirpur upazila. It was built in the early 2000s on the initiative of a local benefactor, and quickly became one of the most visited places in the Barishal region.
The mosque is crowned by a large central dome and smaller domes, with a tall minaret beside it. In front lies a wide pond with a bathing ghat, and the grounds are laid out with gardens, paths and water. In the evening the complex is lit up and its reflection in the pond draws crowds.
It is a working mosque, at the heart of village life, and visitors come as much for the calm of the gardens as for the architecture.
Hire a CNG in Barishal city for the afternoon, or take a bus on the Banaripara road.
Stop at the great pond at Madhabpasha and walk the shaded path around the water.
Continue along the same road to Guthia and walk the gardens around the pond.
Stay until the lights come on and the mosque is reflected in the pond, then head back to the city.
October to March; late afternoon into the evening, when the complex is lit up
About 20 km from Barishal city on the Barishal–Banaripara road: roughly 40 minutes to an hour by CNG or local bus. Durga Sagar is on the same road, so the two make an easy half-day trip.
