Jashore: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman launched the re-excavation programme of the Ulashi ‘Zia Khal (canal)’ at Sharsha upazila here this morning. He formally inaugurated the re-excavation programme by cutting soil with a spade at 11:55 am.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister Forhad Hossain Azad, State Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, and State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam were present on the occasion. The Ulashi canal, originally excavated on November 1, 1976, by the then President Ziaur Rahman, is being re-excavated by the Bangladesh Water Development Board.
Earlier, the Prime Minister arrived at the venue around 11:42 am and unveiled the plaque of the re-excavation programme, offering ‘Munajat’ there. People from Sharsha and surrounding areas gathered along the canal side from early morning, eagerly anticipating the Prime Minister’s arrival. They held roses and tuberose flowers and chanted slogans in welcome.
Local residents expressed hope that the re-excavation of the canal will solve water problems and play a crucial role in irrigation and increasing agricultural production. Shahadat Hossain, a laborer who participated in the original excavation with Ziaur Rahman, recalled the historical event with emotion, feeling grateful to witness the continuation of the legacy by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Nearly five decades ago, the Ulashi area in Sharsha faced severe waterlogging, affecting vast lands. To alleviate this, Ziaur Rahman initiated the canal excavation on November 1, 1976. After 50 years, Tarique Rahman has revived the canal through re-excavation, continuing his father’s legacy and addressing local agricultural needs.
Previously, on March 16, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, also the ruling BNP chairman, launched canal excavation and re-excavation programmes in 54 districts, starting with Sahapara canal in Balarampur of Kaharol upazila in Dinajpur.