News Flash
By Md Mamun Islam
RANGPUR, Oct 2, 2025 (BSS) - A unique example of interfaith unity and religious tolerance continues to flourish in the Kalibari area of Lalmonirhat district town, where a mosque and a Hindu temple have been peacefully coexisting within the same courtyard for over a century.
On one side of the square, Sanatan devotees are celebrating their largest religious festival, Sharodiya Durga Puja, with traditional 'Ulu Dhwani' and devotional music. On the other side, Muslims are offering their five daily prayers, accompanied by the subtle fragrance of 'Atoor'.
A remarkable expression of mutual respect is seen during the call to prayer (Azan), when members of the Sanatan community pause their worship and silence all instruments, including loudspeakers and drums, until the Muslim prayers are completed.
This long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence and mutual cooperation between two religious communities has been upheld for around 125 years, making the courtyard a living symbol of communal harmony and religious freedom.
Talking to BSS, elderly locals and religious leaders said the Central Kalibari Temple was established in 1836. Later, around 1900, local traders and pious Muslims-through mutual understanding with the Sanatan community-established the Old Bazaar Jame Mosque beside the temple to serve their religious needs.
"Since then, both communities have been performing their respective religious rituals in harmony, without any conflict," said Shree Shankar Chakraborty, President of the Central Kalibari Temple Committee and the temple's priest.
He noted that coordination between the mosque and temple committees ensures all religious programs are conducted smoothly. "We hold discussions in advance to finalize the timings and arrangements for both Puja and prayers, which helps maintain peace and discipline."
Imam of the Old Bazaar Jame Mosque, Moulana Mohammad Al Amin Hossain, echoed the same sentiment. "We extend our full cooperation to the temple authorities, and they do the same. This beautiful relationship has continued for generations."
Locals say the site has become a point of interest for visitors from across the country and abroad, especially during the Durga Puja festival. Several foreign ambassadors have visited the location to witness this extraordinary example of religious harmony.
Elderly residents Abdul Hakim, Mahbubar Rahman, and Aminul Islam said they have never seen a single incident of religious conflict, chaos, or misunderstanding in the area.
"All religious events are held amid festivity and mutual respect. Before the Puja begins, both committees meet and decide how to coordinate events. During Azan and prayers, loudspeakers and drums remain off as a sign of respect," Abdul Hakim told BSS.
Long-time residents Mohammad Abbas Ali and Sanatan community leaders Kamal Kanti Roy and Sanat Chandra Saha emphasized that the primary goal of both the temple and mosque is worship, not division.
"I have lived here all my life and never witnessed any unrest or tension. This shared courtyard is a living proof of how religious harmony can exist in practice," Abbas Ali said.
As Azan ends and Muslim prayers conclude, the temple premises become vibrant again with music and Puja rituals-demonstrating a seamless rhythm of co-existence and mutual understanding that has withstood the test of time.
