FDNY Shuts Down Bangladeshi-Run Mosque and Muslim Center in New York

Noman Sabit: The New York City Fire Department has suspended operations at a Bangladeshi-run mosque and Muslim center over fire safety concerns stemming from the absence of an automatic sprinkler system in its ongoing expansion project. As a result, Friday congregational prayers at Jamaica Muslim Center (JMC) were halted on November 6.

An investigation by the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) found that the center’s ongoing expansion project lacked an automatic fire sprinkler system. Authorities subsequently ordered operations suspended until the necessary safety measures are in place.

Thomas Ford, a fire protection inspector with the FDNY’s Special Inspection Unit, said inspectors visited the facility after receiving several complaints. He said the absence of a sprinkler system posed a potential safety risk to worshippers and that operations must remain suspended until the system is installed.

According to Ford, the Fire Department will conduct another inspection once installation is complete and authorities have been notified. The center will be permitted to resume operations after compliance with the required safety standards has been verified.

Expressing respect for the religious institution, Ford stressed that public safety must take priority. He also raised concerns about who would bear responsibility if an accident occurred.

“Our responsibility is to ensure people’s safety. A worshipper who remains safe today will be able to attend prayers tomorrow,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of JMC’s Board of Trustees and Executive Committee, General Secretary Mohammad Fakhrul Islam Delwar said installation of the sprinkler system was already underway. The center’s management had expected the work to be completed within the following week. However, the suspension order was issued before Friday’s Jumu’ah prayers.

Delwar said construction work was progressing at full pace and that management had been taking precautionary measures. He also noted that no accident had occurred at the facility to date.

Expressing regret that worshippers were unable to offer Friday prayers at the center, Delwar said management hoped to resume prayer services within a week. In the meantime, he advised regular worshippers to pray at nearby mosques.

JMC’s ongoing expansion project aims to provide more space for prayers and religious education. Plans include relocating the Hifz, or Quran memorization, department from the second floor to the third floor, creating additional prayer space for approximately 180 worshippers, improving connections between the building’s older and newer sections, and installing an elevator.

To finance the remaining expansion work, the center held a fundraising event on October 24, receiving approximately $1 million in donations and pledges.

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