Bangladesh has approved a project to build hundreds of mosques with almost $1 billion from Saudi Arabia, an official said on Wednesday, worrying minority groups.

The government plans to construct 560 mosques — one in every town in Bangladesh — as the secular administration woos Islamist groups before elections.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought the funds from Saudi Arabia, which will provide the lion’s share of the $1.07 billion cost, during a visit to the oil-rich state last year, said Planning Minister Mustofa Kamal.