For years, architects in Bangladesh have been pioneering modernist mosque designs, but a striking new structure on the outskirts of Dhaka stands out amid its industrial surroundings. Commissioned by the owner of a local textile factory, the Zebun Nessa Mosque—named in memory of his late mother—serves as a sanctuary for the factory’s 6,500 garment workers.

“Naming it after a woman inspired me to create a space that offers a gentle refuge for the workers,” explains Saiqa Iqbal Meghna, co-founder and director of Dhaka’s Studio Morphogenesis. Unlike many mosques in the country, this one thoughtfully incorporates dedicated areas where women can enter, gather, and pray.

Its pink cement exterior pays homage to the earthy hues of Bangladesh’s terracotta and mud-based architecture, while the perforated, curving walls reflect traditional latticework patterns and facilitate natural ventilation in the country’s tropical climate. A sculptural staircase spirals around a Chhatim tree, leading up to the women’s gallery, its leaves spreading overhead like a natural canopy.

A translucent glass mihrab—traditionally used to orient worshippers toward Mecca—was created in collaboration with artist Wakilur Rahman, adding a contemporary touch to the mosque’s design. Beyond the prayer halls, the mosque features serene courtyards, lush lawns, and a tranquil waterside prayer area, providing spaces where workers and visitors can find peace throughout the day, even outside of prayer times.

“This space truly belongs to the garment workers,” Meghna reflects. “As an architect, that is one of the greatest achievements—when people feel a sense of ownership over a place.”