Barishal:A mosque and a temple located just 10 feet apart in Adhuna village of Gournadi upazila have been a symbol of communal harmony for 54 years, with Muslims and Hindus peacefully conducting their religious rituals side by side.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Shanerhat Bazar Jame Mosque and the Sarbajanin Durga Temple, both situated in Sarikal Union, are testaments to a tradition of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, especially evident during the annual Durga Puja celebrations. During the festival, Muslim devotees offer prayers at the mosque while Hindu devotees perform rituals at the temple, showcasing a strong message of tolerance and harmony.
The two places of worship operate without conflict, as local Muslims support their Hindu neighbors during the festival, strengthening bonds of friendship and respect. Activities at the temple, such as worship and arati rituals, pause for the azan from the mosque, demonstrating mutual consideration. Temple priest Swapan Bhattacharya highlighted their fraternal relationship, noting that religious activities pause for the azan and resume afterward.
Local social worker Maksud Mridha emphasized the tradition of mutual respect, with both communities participating in each other's celebrations. Shankar Chandra Das, president of the temple committee, acknowledged the long history of harmony despite the proximity of the two places of worship.
Maulana Kamrul Islam, imam of the Adhuna Shene Jame Mosque, remarked on the absence of religious intolerance, with Hindus pausing their activities during the mosque's azan. Gournadi Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Ibrahim praised the village's example of peaceful coexistence and communal harmony.
This year's Durga Puja was celebrated at 590 locations across Barishal district with law enforcement ensuring peaceful proceedings.