Jashore:The Ulashi-Jadunathpur canal excavation project, a landmark in community-driven rural development, is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Originally initiated on November 1, 1976, by then-Army Chief Major General Ziaur Rahman, the project was part of a broader effort to enhance agricultural production through public participation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the initiative, known as the 'Ulashi Model,' was executed through voluntary labour as part of Ziaur Rahman's 19-point programme, which emphasized agricultural production, irrigation, rural development, and food self-sufficiency. The four-kilometer canal, connecting Ulashi to Jadunathpur and linking to the Betna River, was excavated with the help of local residents over six months.
The project alleviated waterlogging issues in five large wetlands and enabled cultivation on approximately 22,000 acres of land. Additionally, around 20 irrigation pumps were installed along the canal, facilitating the expansion of IRRI-Boro cultivation in the region.
The Ulashi-Jadunathpur canal became renowned for its scale of public involvement, with locals voluntarily contributing their labour to a project that directly benefited their farms and communities. Local accounts highlight the involvement of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, who reportedly participated in the digging and carrying of soil.
Over time, the canal silted up due to a lack of maintenance, diminishing its effectiveness. However, a detailed project proposal for its re-excavation has been submitted to the relevant ministry for approval. The estimated cost of the re-excavation is Taka 1.37 crore.
In April 2026, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the re-excavation efforts, rekindling hopes that the canal will once again play a crucial role in regional irrigation, drainage, and agricultural productivity. As the Ulashi-Jadunathpur canal marks its 50th year, it stands as a testament to the impact of community participation and voluntary labour in rural development.