Desk Report:
Food Minister Afroza Khanum has stated that the primary duty of public representatives is to serve all citizens of the country, irrespective of their religion or background. To fulfill the expectations of the people, everyone must work together, setting aside political or other differences. Engaging in internal divisions or conflicts would only harm the public, the political party, and the local region. Therefore, it is essential for everyone to operate with a spirit of tolerance, mutual respect, and harmony.
The Minister made these remarks on Wednesday (October 21, 2026) while visiting various Durga Puja mandaps (pavilions) in the Singair, Harirampur, Shibalaya, and Daulatpur upazilas of Manikganj district. During her visits, she extended her greetings to the Hindu community on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja and Bijoya Dashami.
The Food Minister noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been personally visiting various districts across the country to check on the well-being of the Hindu community. Furthermore, the Prime Minister has instructed public representatives to look after the Hindu community in their respective districts, identify any challenges they may be facing, and take the necessary steps to resolve them.
The Food Minister credited her current position to the love of the people of Manikganj and the support of her party colleagues. She expressed her firm commitment to honoring the trust and affection shown by the public by diligently fulfilling her assigned responsibilities. Emphasizing the current government’s sincere dedication to meeting the people’s expectations and aspirations, she remarked, “We are all citizens of Bangladesh. Because we love our country, we must work together for its development and the welfare of its people.”
Praising the communal harmony in Manikganj, the Food Minister highlighted the excellent spirit of mutual goodwill and harmony among the district’s residents. She pointed to the spontaneous presence and support of the Muslim community at various puja mandaps as a shining example of this harmony. She stressed that this peaceful coexistence and bond of harmony must be preserved and maintained in the future. Regarding the upcoming local government elections, the Minister noted that elections are set to be held at the Union level. He urged everyone to cast their votes for qualified candidates. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of maintaining mutual respect, tolerance, and unity, despite any differences in political views.
During the visit, representatives from various puja mandaps (worship venues) raised several issues concerning local challenges and development needs. The Food Minister expressed his agreement with these concerns and assured that they would be addressed in a phased manner.
The visit was attended by officials from the local Upazila administration, leaders of the district and Upazila-level Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)—along with its various affiliated and associate wings—as well as a large number of people from the Hindu community.
