A mosque and a Hindu temple standing just four feet apart in the same compound in Lalmonirhat town have become a remarkable symbol of religious harmony, with the two places of worship coexisting peacefully for 82 years through mutual respect and tolerance.

Located in Kalibari area, Central Kalibari Shri Shri Durga and Kali Temple and the adjacent Jame Mosque present a unique scene during Durga Puja.

Local residents said there has never been an untoward incident between the two religious communities during their decades of living side by side.

As crowds of devotees gather at the temple during Durga Puja, prayers continue uninterrupted at the neighbouring mosque.

Temple authorities stop playing musical instruments during prayer times to ensure that worshippers at the mosque can perform their religious duties without disturbance.

Locals said the temple was established in 1838, while the mosque was built in 1943, about 105 years later. The two places of worship have thus stood side by side for 82 years.

The temple occupies eight decimals of land and the mosque five decimals, while an adjoining plot of about 12 decimals belongs to another person.

Members of the temple and mosque committees said the landowner had never shown any interest in taking possession of the intervening space.

For local residents, the compound represents more than the physical proximity of two religious institutions. It stands as a testament to mutual trust, empathy and the possibility of peaceful coexistence despite differences in faith.

The site also attracts visitors from different parts of the country, who tour the temple and mosque, speak with local residents and learn about the longstanding relationship between the two communities.

Saiful Islam, a visitor from Kurigram, said he was impressed to see a mosque and a temple standing in the same compound.

“Seeing a mosque and a temple together in this way was truly inspiring. There has been no conflict here for decades, and this is a timeless lesson in humanity,” he said.

Iti Rani, who came from Rangpur, said she had visited the temple and mosque several times and tried to return whenever she had the opportunity during Durga Puja.

She said she had visited the site last year as well and returned again this year, partly because she had a relative in Lalmonirhat. Each visit, she added, renewed her belief in the importance of harmony and peace.

Mohammad Alauddin, imam of the mosque, said the two communities had maintained a relationship based on deep mutual respect.

“We respect one another, and there has never even been an argument between us,” he said, adding that visitors from different areas frequently came to hear the story of their coexistence.

The imam said he regularly exchanged views with the temple’s priest, noting that mutual empathy and respect had been the foundation of their longstanding relationship.

Differences in religious identity, he said, had not created a divide between the communities; rather, their willingness to respect one another had strengthened their bond.

Shankar Chakraborty, president of the temple committee and its priest, said the temple authorities stopped playing musical instruments during prayer times at the mosque.

“Our Muslim neighbours also extend their cooperation during the puja,” he said.

Describing the temple compound as particularly crowded and festive during Durga Puja, Chakraborty said they had never heard complaints from mosque worshippers about disturbance or a lack of cooperation.

Religious festivals and prayers had continued through mutual understanding and respect, he added.

Khorshed Alam Dulal, general secretary of the mosque committee, said they always tried to ensure that members of the Hindu community could celebrate their religious festivals without difficulty.

“We always extend our cooperation so that members of the Hindu community can perform their religious rituals without any hindrance. This is an example of religious harmony not only for Lalmonirhat but also for the entire country,” he said.

Lalmonirhat Superintendent of Police Mohammad Asaduzzaman said large numbers of devotees gathered at the temple during Durga Puja, but local accounts indicated that there had been no disorder at the site for many years.

Special security measures were taken every year during the festival, he said, adding that he also regularly monitored security arrangements at the temple.

Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rashedul Haque Pradhan said the presence of a mosque and a temple in the same compound served as a reminder that everyone had the right to practise their religion.

“A peaceful society is built by respecting that right,” he said.

He said the compound demonstrated how mutual respect, tolerance and cooperation could sustain harmony even when people held different beliefs and opinions.