Bargachhi: Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, MP, emphasized that the canal excavation and road development projects underway are solely in the public’s interest. ‘We are implementing these development projects for the welfare of the people, agricultural development, and with the goal of building a self-reliant Bangladesh,’ Milon remarked during the inauguration of the re-excavation of a 1,051-meter canal from Dadpur Chakpara Banyan Tree to Faliar Beel in Bargachhi Union of Paba Upazila.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, MP Milon formally inaugurated the canal work by unveiling a plaque and cutting soil. He also commenced the widening, strengthening, and rehabilitation of a 9,100-meter stretch of the Baya-Kashim Bazar-Tanore road in Nowhata Municipality. He highlighted the historical roots of the canal excavation program, initiated by the late President Ziaur Rahman, which aimed to build a self-reliant Bangladesh. The initiative continued during Begum Khaleda Zia’s tenure but was stalled for 17 years due to irregularities. Now resumed, the program is focused on public interest.
Milon assured that any obstacles in development work would be addressed collaboratively with local administration and residents. He outlined the benefits of canal re-excavation, such as improved water drainage during monsoons and enhanced irrigation facilities during dry seasons, which are expected to boost agricultural production and contribute to food self-sufficiency.
The event was overseen by Paba Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Ibnul Abedin, who stated that both the canal and road projects would significantly improve local life quality. The canal project will aid farmers with irrigation and water drainage, while the road improvements are set to make transportation safer and more efficient.
Paba Upazila Engineer Maqbul Hossain reported that the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) is managing the canal re-excavation project, valued at Tk 20 lakh. The road project in Nowhata Municipality, set at about Tk 14 crore, is anticipated to ease local transportation woes once completed.
Locals, including Ayen Uddin, an 80-year-old farmer, expressed optimism about the projects. ‘Earlier, this canal had a lot of water. Later, after it got filled up, irrigation became very difficult. Now that the canal is being excavated again, farmers will benefit and farming on the land will be easier,’ he shared.
The event was attended by Paba Upazila BNP Member Secretary Abdur Razzak, former Mayor of Nowhata Municipality Sheikh Maqbul Hossain, Paba Upazila BNP Joint Convener Sultan Ahmed, along with leaders and activists from affiliated organizations.