Bangladeshi Community in Lisbon's Arroios Supports No New Mosque in Mouraria

Community's Stance on Mosque Construction

The president of the Arroios parish in Lisbon, Madalena Natividade, stated that the Bangladeshi community has no issue with the decision not to build a mosque in Mouraria. She emphasized that the community believes there are already too many places of worship in the area.

Misrepresentation of Community Leadership

Natividade criticized the representation of the Bangladeshi community, asserting that Rana Taslim Uddin, who was consulted during the process, is not recognized as their representative and is viewed as an unwelcome figure within the community. She pointed out that the community does not support the construction of a new mosque.

Concerns Over Safety and Security

The president mentioned the closure of a worship space on Rua Maria Andrade due to safety concerns, stating that the community supports this decision. She indicated that if necessary, she would close other mosques in the area as well to ensure safety for worshippers and residents.

Political Reactions

José Leitão, a deputy from the Socialist Party, expressed confusion over Natividade's comments, questioning why there was no mention of Uddin's support among thousands of Bangladeshis. He warned against violating religious freedom laws, highlighting the importance of respecting the right to religious practice.

Current Status of Mosques in Mouraria

Currently, there are six active mosques in Mouraria, which serves a significant South Asian community. There are ongoing discussions about a new mosque project initiated in 2012, which has faced delays and protests. The municipal assembly is reviewing the situation after consultations with various organizations, including the Islamic Community of Lisbon.