Food Minister Afroza Khanam spoke at Shri Shri Anandamoyee Kali Bari premises in Manikganj Sadar upazila during Janmashtami celebrations. Photo : Ministry

MANIKGANJ, Sept 4, 2026 (BSS) - Food Minister Afroza Khanam today said the biggest identity of Bangladesh’s people is ‘Bangladeshi’ and religious or other identities shall not be any reason for discrimination.

“There is no consideration here based on whether someone is Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist or Christian. Our common identity is that we are Bangladeshis and this is our biggest identity. We have to maintain our unity,” she said.

Speaking as the chief at a Janmashtami celebration event organized on the premises of Shri Shri Anandamoyee Kali Bari in the Sadar upazila here, said the minister.

Afroza Khanam said that she wants to stand by the people not only during the celebration or happy moments but also in their times of sorrow and hardship. 

“You do not have to invite me on your happy occasions, but call me in your times of sorrow. I will certainly respond to your call and stand by you,” she said.

She said, “A beautiful co-existent and harmonious environment exist in Manikganj and we all have to preserve this harmony.”

She also donated Tk one lakh to the Shri Shri Anandamoyee Kali Bari Puja Celebration Committee. 
She also instructed the Deputy Commissioner to take necessary measures regarding various demands of members of the Hindu community. 

Pranab Kumar Sikdar, president of the Manikganj district unit of Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council, presided over the event.

People from different professions and walks of life in Manikganj attended the event.

The minister also participated in a tree plantation campaign planted trees at the Beutha Mosque premises and along the Beutha-Andharmanik Road.