Coexisting in harmony for 73 years
The coexistence of the followers of the two regions demonstrates the longstanding communal harmony of Sreemangal people
Incidents of communal violence have been taking place destroying lives and wealth in different areas around the world.
Amid such an instability generated by intolerance, there is something that makes people optimistic demonstrating communal harmony in the country.
Majdihi Jame Mosque and Bhairab Temple at Bhairab Bazar under Sreemangal upazila in Moulvibazar have been standing side by side for the last 73 years.
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People of both religions have been practising their respective faiths there and share their experiences, which the locals think help them keep away any sort of discrimination.
Locals say the family of Punnya Dutta built the temple 200 years ago, said Kalapur Union Parishad Chairman Mujibur Rahman Mojlu.
He also said the mosque was built around 1947. Local people and the Majdihi Tea Garden authorities built the mosque with their financing.
Zafar Ahmed, imam of the mosque, said, "I have been working here as the khatib for the last 15 years and I have not heard of any instance of bitter relation between the two communities."
Coming out of the mosque after offering prayers he often sees the temple's priest Janmajoy Bhattacharya. They exchange greetings, he added.
Abdul Matin, general secretary of the mosque committee, said, "I have been offering prayers in the mosque for the last 40 years. The people of both the religions come forward at each other's hour of need. There is no communal problem among us."
Sheikh Shah Jamal Ahmed, a poet in the area, said, "Often puja and religious hymns are held in the temple till late in the night. These do not create any problem for anybody. Rather every day Muslim devotees and adherents of the Hindu faith go to their respective religious entities regularly."
Bijoy Nunia, the headmaster of local Chatali Tea Garden Government Primary School, said, "I believe the new generation can learn a lot [about religious harmony] from this mosque and the temple."
"Muslims attend different functions of the Hindus. During Kirtan (religious hymn), we keep the sound of drums under control during namaz. Muslim devotees also help us in organising religious festivals (pujas). We have been continuing puja for the last 30 years without any hindrances," said Priest Janmajoy Bhattacharya.
