Dhaka: The ‘River-Canal-Waterbody Excavation and Re-excavation’ programme is set to commence before the holy Eid, following a recent inter-ministerial meeting at the Ministry of Water Resources. It is anticipated that the Prime Minister will formally inaugurate the programme.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting was presided over by Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, Political Adviser to the Prime Minister, and focused on launching a nationwide initiative. The central inauguration is planned for the Sahapara Canal in Bairampur, Kaharole Upazila of Dinajpur. Concurrently, excavation activities will commence across 63 districts, led by ministers, advisers, state ministers, and members of parliament.
During the meeting, Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed emphasized the historical significance of canal excavation, recalling the efforts of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate in accelerating the current programme’s momentum. Water Resources Minister Md. Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, MP, highlighted the challenges posed by a lack of canal excavation, including waterlogging and issues in the national irrigation system, stressing the administration’s commitment to public welfare.
State Minister Farhad Hossain Azad, MP, expressed public enthusiasm for the initiative, aligning it with the government’s election manifesto to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals over the next five years. He called for dedication from all parties to successfully implement the initial 180-day excavation programme.
The meeting was also attended by key officials, including State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam, MP, and State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief M Iqbal Hossain, MP, as well as senior secretaries and the Director General of the Water Development Board.