Mosque and Temple Share One Courtyard in Lalmonirhat, Symbolising Nearly Two Centuries of Harmony

A mosque and a Kali temple have stood side by side in the Kalibari area of Purana Bazar in Lalmonirhat town for nearly two centuries, offering a remarkable example of religious harmony in Bangladesh. The walls of the two places of worship are only three feet apart. The call to prayer and Friday sermons can be heard from the mosque, while the sounds of conch shells, drums and other instruments accompany worship at the temple. Despite differences in religion and rituals, the two communities have maintained a peaceful coexistence without conflict.

According to local sources and historical accounts, the Kalibari Temple was established in Purana Bazar in 1836. In later years, Muslim traders began visiting the area for business. To facilitate their prayers, they built a small tin-roofed structure beside the temple. Over time, it developed into what is now known as Purana Bazar Jame Mosque.

Since then, the two places of worship have shared the same courtyard. Although the buildings and surrounding area have changed over the years, the mutual respect, trust and goodwill between the two religious communities have remained intact.

Rafiqul Islam, the muezzin of Purana Bazar Jame Mosque, said he had been serving at the mosque for a long time. He noted that no unpleasant incidents had occurred between the communities despite their places of worship being so close together. Both groups continue to observe their respective religious practices, and he expressed hope that their bond of harmony would endure for generations.

Suman Kumar Chakraborty, the priest of Kalibari Temple, said the two communities had been practising their religions side by side for more than a century. He explained that all musical instruments at the temple are stopped during the call to prayer. He also praised the support Muslim neighbours provide during Hindu religious festivals.

Lalmonirhat Superintendent of Police Md. Asaduzzaman described the communities’ mutual respect and freedom to practise their religions as highly commendable. He said the area had historically maintained a strong atmosphere of goodwill.

District Commissioner Muha. Rashedul Haque Pradhan said the tradition of mutual respect and religious tolerance carried a positive message not only for Lalmonirhat but for the entire country. He added that the district administration remained committed to preserving this heritage.

During a visit to Kalibari Temple on the occasion of Durga Puja, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu described the mosque and temple sharing one courtyard as a unique example of harmony for Bangladesh.

He said Hindus and Muslims in the area had maintained longstanding ties of friendship and coexistence, living peacefully alongside one another for generations. Muslim residents support Hindu religious festivals, while Hindu worshippers stop drums, microphones and other festive activities near the mosque during prayer times.

The minister praised this practice of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, expressing hope that trust and affection between people of different faiths would continue for generations to come.