80 years of peaceful coexistence

For around 80 years, a temple and a mosque have stood next to each other, showcasing the harmony between the Hindu and Muslim community in Lalmonirhat's Kalibari area.

The two buildings -- Central Kalibari Shree Shree Durga and Kali Mandir, and Puran Bazar Jame Masjid -- stand merely six-feet apart. The temple was established in 1838, while the mosque was opened in 1943.

Hindus and Muslims in the area pray simultaneously at times and have a deep respect for their neighbour's beliefs. For example, the temple stops playing musical instruments when prayers are taking place in the mosque.

Over the last eight decades, people from both faiths have been practicing their religion, right next to each other, without any form of untoward incidents. Many consider it to be a symbol of religious harmony and non-violence. Visitors from various parts of the country come here to see the temple-mosque.

Meher Ali, 65, a visitor from Dhaka, told The Daily Star that he came to see the temple-mosque after hearing about it.

"This temple-mosque exemplifies the eternal bond of humanity," he said.

The mosque's Imam Mohammad Salah Uddinn said, "We stay here in harmony. There has never even been a quarrel between the two groups."

Temple committee president and priest Shankar Chakrabarty told The Daily Star, "We have never faced any restrictions to worship in the temple. Durga and Kali pujas are held here every year. During puja, many people from the Muslim community support us."

Even though they stand only six-feet apart, the land of each building is owned by different people. The temple stands on eight decimals of land while the mosque is on five decimals. Both owners are now trying to sell their lands. However, it is not possible for the committees from the temple and mosque to raise the funds to purchase it.

Shankar Chakrabarty said, "We will benefit if the government buys the land and donates it to the temple and mosque. Then we will be able to preserve the legacy of the harmony between us for eternity.

Khorshed Alam Dulal, general secretary of the mosque committee, told The Daily Star, "We always try to help the people of the Hindu community here, particularly during puja. We are not only an example of religious harmony in Lalmonirhat, but an example for the country. The Hindu-Muslim people are living peacefully and we hope to continue this forever."