Food Minister Afroza Khanam distributed GR rice at 125 puja mandap in Manikganj Sadar Upazila on the occasion of Sharadiya Durgotsav-2026.
Food Minister Afroza Khanam said that everyone, regardless of religion or caste, should unite and maintain the bond of harmony and friendship. Everyone should play a responsible role in celebrating the upcoming Durga Puja peacefully and without any hindrance. This country belongs to everyone, so everyone should move forward together with mutual respect, compassion and cooperation.
The Food Minister made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a GR rice distribution ceremony at 125 puja mandap in Manikganj Sadar Upazila on the occasion of Sharadiya Durgotsav-2026 on Friday (October 9).
The function was presided over by the Deputy Commissioner and was attended by the Additional Superintendent of Police, Manikganj Sadar Upazila Executive Officer, senior officials of the district and upazila, and leaders of BNP and its various affiliates. A large number of people belonging to traditional religions participated in the function.
The Food Minister said that public representatives, political leaders and activists, and the administration must all properly fulfill their respective responsibilities to ensure the safety of followers of traditional religions and the smooth celebration of religious festivals.
He said, “Eid and Puja are festivals for all of us. We will stand by each other, cooperate and maintain this beautiful relationship of harmony.”
He called on everyone to work together without engaging in any kind of conflict.
Food Minister Afroza Khanam also said that in the past, collective work has been done to successfully complete Durga Puja in Manikganj. She expressed hope that the next Durga Puja will also be celebrated in a peaceful and festive atmosphere. At this time, she highlighted various assistance programs including the development of temples and crematoriums for followers of traditional religions and assured that necessary development assistance would be continued.
He said that as a public representative, he wants to stand by people of all religions.
During the event, 600 kg of rice was distributed to each of the 125 puja mandap of Manikganj Sadar Upazila under the GR program. In addition, the municipality gave a donation of Tk 20,000 each to four organizations of traditional religions.
Then, under the special initiative of Palli Sanchay Bank, tree plantation, sapling distribution and loan disbursement activities were held under the Rural Greening Program. Through this program, importance was given to environmental conservation, greening and socio-economic development of the people.
Earlier at 11 am, Food Minister Afroza Khanam addressed the freshers’ program of class 11 students of Munnu International School and College as the chief guest. She urged the students to learn from the life and work of her late father Harunar Rashid Khan Munnu and develop themselves into true, honest and ideal citizens.
He said that it is not enough for students to just achieve good results; they must become worthy citizens for the country and society through practicing morality, honesty, sense of responsibility, and human values.
The program was presided over by the college principal, Lt. Col. (Retd.) Shahidul Islam, and students and teachers presented a mesmerizing cultural performance. The program became lively with the welcoming of the new students.