Rare example of communal harmony in Birganj. Photo : BSS

By Rostom Ali Mondal

DINAJPUR, Feb 15, 2025 (BSS) - The residents of Birganj Upazila in the district have set a rare example of communal harmony.

Although mosques and temples have been side by side here for almost 20 years, there is no conflict between people of the two religions.

Both the five-time prayers along with other rituals of Muslim community and prayers and religious rituals of Hindu community are going on smoothly.

Talking to members of both religions, it is known that there is only one brick wall between a mosque and a temple in Mandalpara village of Nijpara union of Birganj.

This has further strengthened the communal amity among the members of both communities. They feel that through this, a unique example of communal harmony and brotherhood has been created in the area. The imam of the mosque and the priest of the temple coordinate among themselves and perform their respective religious rituals.

Recently, during a visit to Birganj by this correspondent, it was seen that there is a 300-year-old Vishnu temple in Mandalpara village.

The Damaikhetra Jame Mosque was established in 2005 on the northern side of this temple, which is surrounded by a brick wall. Devotees have been offering five time prayers peacefully in this mosque.

Since its inception, worship and prayers have been conducted in the temple and the mosque. Although religious activities have been going on for a long time, no discord has ever arisen there. On the contrary, Muslims keep the local Hindus excited during the worship and festivals of Hindus.

The founder of the mosque, Professor Dr. Khairul Alam said that since the establishment of the mosque, no one has ever disturbed the worshipers.

 The temple priest and Hindus on the other side of the wall have a good relationship with the people of the mosque committee.

Priest of Sarbajanin Vishnu Mandir Ashok Bhattacharya said, "We have been performing our rituals in this temple for 40 years. No one has ever created any obstacles. Rather, the Muslims of the area cooperate with us.

The worship of Hindus and the prayers of Muslims are conducted through the coordination of the temple's worshipers and the mosque."

Mosque committee member Md. Tuhin Islam said, "We are performing the religious functions of both through communal harmony and religious coexistence. We are neighbors to each other."
 
Anisur Rahman Anis, chairman of the Nijpara Union Parishad of Birganj Upazila, said, "On one side, Hindus perfume their rituals and on the other Muslims offer holy prayers. There is no conflict and no division.

 Social harmony prevails among everyone. I am personally overwhelmed by seeing such a religious amity of Hindu and Muslim communities. In the future as well, we want to maintain religious harmony and social ties with the cooperation of everyone."

Birganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fazle Elahi said on one side, kirtan is performed with beating khol and playing kartal amid smoke of dhup-dhuno of worshipping. On the other, sweet smell of Atar comes from Muslim devotees at the mosque.

People of two religions are practicing their respective religions in two religious institutions located side by side and they have been practicing their respective rituals maintaining harmony.

"Such a relationship is a shining example and a sign of friendship. Religious harmony should be like this all over the world," he said.