Dhaka: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Sunday initiated a water hyacinth removal programme in the Khudia canal located in the Daulatpur-Aranghata area of Khulna city. The programme was inaugurated by Rokibul Islam Bokul, the Student Affairs Secretary of the BNP National Executive Committee, who served as the chief guest at the event.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during his speech at the launch event, Bokul criticized previous governments for squandering public funds under the guise of canal dredging projects without completing the necessary work. He pointed out that these actions resulted in the canal becoming filled with silt, which in turn caused flooding during the monsoon season.
Bokul committed that if the BNP comes to power, the entire 10-kilometer stretch of the Khudia canal would be dredged and restored for public use. He also mentioned plans to construct culverts for the local residents on both sides of the canal and to rebuild the adjacent roads as part of a more extensive development strategy.
He emphasized that the current initiative, supported by local residents, is designed to alleviate water logging, control mosquito breeding to prevent dengue, and safeguard the environment. Bokul remarked, “Once boats and trawlers used to move through this canal which is now impossible. But as per people’s demand, the canal will be made usable again.”
The event was attended by several BNP leaders, including Khulna City Unit BNP President Advocate S.M. Shafiqul Alam Mona, Organizing Secretary Sheikh Sadi, Daulatpur Thana BNP President Murshid Kamal, General Secretary Sheikh Imam Hossain, along with leaders from Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal.