Sylhet: Commerce, Industries, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced today that the re-excavation of the Champatali canal is set to bring approximately 1,500 bighas of land under new cultivation by addressing irrigation shortages during the dry season.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister stated that the canal would function as a reservoir for excess water during the monsoon, aiding in flood control. Furthermore, tree saplings of various species will be planted along both banks of the canal. The announcement was made during the inaugural session of the canal re-excavation programme in Osmaninagar upazila, Sylhet.
Muktadir highlighted that the local population is expected to benefit from increased crop production, better flood management, and afforestation within the project's first year of completion. When questioned by reporters about the price disparity between retail and wholesale markets, Muktadir acknowledged that some variation is normal but assured that the government is vigilant to prevent these gaps from becoming unacceptable.
He also announced the formation of a Fact-Finding Committee after Eid, which will include businessmen, professionals, and administrative officials. This committee aims to identify unreasonable price differences for essential and agricultural commodities and will conduct public hearings with both consumers and traders.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by local MP Tahsina Rushdi Luna, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury, District Council Administrator Abul Kaher Chowdhury Shamim, Deputy Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam, and Superintendent of Police Dr. Chowdhury Jaber Sadeq.