No Discrimination Based on Religion or Race; Our Greater Identity Is That We Are Bangladeshis: Food Minister Afroza Khanam Rita

Photo: CNI

Manikganj Correspondent: Food Minister Afroza Khanam MP has called on people to maintain unity and communal harmony by putting aside differences based on religion and ethnicity. She said that although we may belong to different religions—Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, or Christian—our greater identity is that we are Bangladeshis.

She made the remarks as the chief guest at an event organized to celebrate Janmashtami 2026 at the premises of Shri Shri Anandamoyee Kali Bari in Manikganj Sadar Upazila at 11:00 a.m. on Friday (September 4). She also conveyed her greetings to members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Janmashtami.

Food Minister Afroza Khanam said, “Because of your sincerity, love, and support, I was elected as a Member of Parliament and was able to enter Parliament. The way you have made me indebted through your love, I now have to reduce that debt. I must try to fulfill my responsibilities.”

She said, “How can I fulfill this responsibility? By standing beside you and working for you. I always want to remain with you.”

Expressing gratitude to members of the Hindu community, the Food Minister said, “You stood by me in the past, you are still standing by me, and I hope you will continue to stand by me in the future. I always say one thing: you do not have to call me on your happy occasions, but please call me in times of sorrow. I will certainly respond to your call and stand beside you.”

Referring to the communal harmony in Manikganj, she said, “There is a beautiful sense of harmony among Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians in Manikganj. We must all preserve this harmony.”

The Food Minister further said, “You know that our Honorable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman views every person in the country equally. No distinction is made here on the basis of whether someone is Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, or Christian. We all share one identity: we are Bangladeshis. This is our greatest identity. There is no discrimination among us. We must preserve our unity.”

Praising the Janmashtami celebration, she said, “Today’s gathering has been beautifully organized. I can see an atmosphere of joy among everyone. I am very pleased.”

At the event, the Food Minister donated Tk 100,000 to the Shri Shri Anandamoyee Kali Bari Puja Celebration Committee. She also instructed the Deputy Commissioner to take necessary measures regarding various demands raised by members of the Hindu community.

The event was presided over by Pranab Kumar Sikder, president of the Manikganj district branch of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad. Advocate Sunil Kumar, Shri Kalipada Ghosh, Anil Kumar, and Ranjit Kumar Dey also spoke at the event. People from various professions and walks of life in Manikganj were present.