Insects Found in the Water at Baitul Mukarram, Spark Worshippers’ Anger

Insects have been spotted in the ablution water of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram, causing surprise, anger, and worry among worshippers.

They have demanded regular cleaning and disinfection of the water tanks used for ablution.

The mosque committee, however, says such insects appear occasionally and blames the negligence of the custodians.At the ablution area, a type of insect that appears wrinkled and blackish was seen moving in the water, making many uncomfortable while performing ablution.

Worshipper Omar Faruq said the sight, noticed last Friday during Maghrib prayers, shocked him as he never imagined seeing such dirty water at the national mosque.

He expressed disgust and said the water’s cleanliness was appalling and unfit even for rinsing the mouth.

Another worshipper, Lokman Hossain, highlighted that people come from across the country to pray here, so the presence of insects in the ablution water raises questions about religious purity.

He blamed the authorities’ negligence and warned about the health risks as thousands use this water daily.Saiful Islam stated that while some dirtiness might be expected in open water, finding worm-like insects in the mosque’s ablution water looks very bad.

He urged the mosque authorities to take quick action to prevent the spread of serious diseases through this water.

Dr. Shefali Begum, Chairperson of the Department of Zoology at Dhaka University, after reviewing related video footage, said the insects appear to be mosquito larvae.

She explained that regular cleaning would prevent mosquito larvae growth and warned that such dirty water could cause various diseases if ingested by worshippers.

Expressing concern about health risks, Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Azad from Bangladesh Medical University said stagnant water is a breeding ground for different types of mosquito larvae, including Aedes aegypti, which poses health threats to worshippers and nearby people.

He emphasized the need for regular water cleaning and stressed that authorities at such a prominent place must act responsibly.

Responding, Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman, Deputy Director of Baitul Mukarram Mosque and Market Division, acknowledged that he occasionally sees mosquito larvae and immediately instructs for cleaning.

He mentioned that custodians sometimes delay cleaning if not prompted but assured that they will clean the water as soon as possible.