Dhaka: Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan today stated that the canal excavation efforts initiated by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman were aimed at improving the livelihoods of farmers and alleviating water logging during the monsoon season.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister expressed concern over the failure of successive governments to maintain these initiatives while addressing journalists after inaugurating the re-excavation of several canals at Sapchhari and Kutukchhari unions under Rangamati Sadar upazila. He criticized past administrations for neither re-excavating nor protecting the rivers and canals, many of which have been encroached upon over the years.
The canal re-excavation project formally launched by the minister covers nearly 33 kilometers and has a total estimated cost of Taka 8.5 crore. The project includes excavation from Mankichhari Chhara Bridge to Boropara canal, as well as stretches from Kutukchhari Bazar to Montola and canals extending to Maurum and Bogachhari.
Dewan highlighted that the current government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has revived the canal excavation initiative as part of its comprehensive 31-point reform agenda and a 180-day priority action plan. He noted that the suspension of such public welfare activities by previous governments and widespread illegal encroachments have led to canals being filled, disrupting rainwater drainage and causing severe water shortages during the dry season, ultimately impacting biodiversity and environmental balance.
The minister further emphasized that the programme is expected to boost agricultural production and create new entrepreneurial opportunities in the region. Special projects aimed at self-employment for local residents have been undertaken by the government, which are anticipated to bring transformative changes to the economy of the hill districts.
In attendance at the event were Deputy Commissioner of Rangamati Nazma Ashrafi, the minister’s Private Secretary Rabindra Chakma, Rangamati Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Kamrul Hossain Chowdhury, LGED Executive Engineer Ahammad Safi, and Rangamati District BNP General Secretary Mamunur Rashid Mamun.