Dhaka: Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid on Monday warned encroachers of rivers and canals to vacate the water bodies, saying no one is more powerful than the government and the country's 180 million people. 'Those who have occupied rivers and canals should be cautious. Whoever you are, no one is more powerful than the government and the 180 million people of the country,' he told reporters after. Those involved in encroachment are 'fraudsters and miscreants,' he said.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister criticized individuals who make promises before elections but fail to implement them afterward. He made these remarks while speaking at a discussion meeting held at Dosharicho field. The minister highlighted the government's plans to introduce the Agriculture Card programme by Pahela Baishakh or earlier.
Additionally, he mentioned that agricultural loans have been waived and honorariums for imams and muezzins have already started. The minister pointed out that the country now has an opportunity to change people's fortunes as around 70 percent of the population is directly involved in agriculture. 'If the economic condition of these 70 percent people improves, the remaining 30 percent will automatically benefit,' he emphasized.
He also alleged that the Dakatia River has been heavily encroached upon, with houses built by filling parts of the river. 'This river will be recovered,' he added.