The expansion of a mosque in Jashore's Jhikargacha upazila has remained suspended for the past 20 days after a man claiming to be a BNP leader allegedly obstructed the construction work, triggering resentment among the mosque committee and local worshippers.

The allegation has been brought against Ismail Hossain of Raghunathpur Dangi village under Nabharan Union.

Ismail claims to be the No. 1 member of the convening committee of BNP's Navaran Union unit. However, Jashore district BNP General Secretary Delwar Hossain Khokon told reporters that the party currently has no committee in Navaran Union.

"I do not know anyone named Ismail Hossain as a BNP leader,"  Khokon added.

According to locals, the Jame Mosque in Raghunathpur Dangi has long been facing a shortage of space, forcing many devotees to offer Friday prayers outdoors under the scorching sun or in the rain.

Following discussions before several Friday congregations, the mosque committee and locals unanimously decided to expand the mosque.

The expansion project was to be financed through government assistance and donations from local worshippers.

However, as construction started, Ismail allegedly intervened, insisting that no work could proceed without his permission.

Witnesses alleged that during an altercation, he kicked and broke two cement pillars brought for the construction.

Mosque committee President Ibrahim Khalil later informed local BNP leader and Jhikargacha upazila BNP member Nuruzzaman Konok about the incident.

Many residents also criticised what they described as the use of political influence in matters concerning a religious institution, saying a mosque should never become a platform for political dominance.