The Zebun Nessa Mosque in Ashulia, named after the late mother of a local textile factory owner, has earned a place on Time magazine’s list of the World’s Greatest Places of 2025.
On the outskirts of Dhaka, amid the sprawling factories and relentless hum of industry, this striking rose-colored structure rises as a sanctuary of solace, said the Time list published on Thursday.
Beyond its architectural brilliance, it stands as a testament to inclusivity, offering a rare refuge for the thousands of garment workers who pass through its doors.
Designed by Dhaka-based Studio Morphogenesis, the mosque embodies a sense of softness and shelter—an intentional contrast to the demanding nature of factory life.
“Naming it after a woman gave me the idea to make a place which can be a very soft shelter for the garment workers,” says Saiqa Iqbal Meghna, cofounder and director of Studio Morphogenesis.
The mosque features carefully designed spaces that allow women to enter, gather, and pray—an aspect often overlooked in mosques across the country.
The building’s pink cement façade draws inspiration from the earthy hues of Bangladesh’s terracotta and mud architecture, while its gently curving walls are punctuated by intricate perforations.
These openings, reminiscent of traditional Islamic latticework, allow natural ventilation, ensuring a cool and comfortable space even in the country’s tropical climate.
At the heart of the mosque, a sculptural staircase spirals around a Chhatim tree, its wide-spreading leaves offering shade and tranquility as visitors ascend to the women’s gallery.
One of the mosque’s most distinctive features is its translucent glass mihrab, designed in collaboration with artist Wakilur Rahman. Serving as the focal point of prayer, it subtly refracts light, casting a serene glow across the interior.
From the courtyards to the verdant lawns and a serene waterside prayer area, the space is designed not just for worship but also for quiet reflection, offering respite to anyone in need of a moment of peace.
“This place should belong to all the garment workers,” says Meghna. “That is a major achievement as an architect—that the people own it.”
