Dhaka: Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has announced a massive nationwide campaign aimed at transforming the historic canal excavation programme, originally initiated by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, into a social movement.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Anee revealed in an interview at his Secretariat office that a master plan has been developed to re-excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals and water bodies across Bangladesh over the next five years, in line with the BNP’s election pledge.
Under the initial phase of this significant initiative, 1,000 kilometers of canals will be excavated within the next 180 days under a pilot program. Anee expressed confidence that the results will be visible soon, allowing the public to start experiencing the benefits. The minister highlighted the government’s efforts as a new milestone for the country’s aquatic ecosystem, with positive impacts expected in agriculture, fisheries, and environmental balance.
During the interview, Anee openly discussed the government’s plans, the challenges posed by illegal encroachments in canal excavation, and other public interest issues. He emphasized the canal excavation program as a ‘revolution’, recalling its initial success during the tenure of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, which was driven by public participation. However, he noted that this momentum was not sustained over time.
“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has clearly stated in the election manifesto the plan to re-excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals and water bodies. This initiative is not only a government project but a struggle for survival for the people,” Anee asserted, emphasizing the government’s commitment to completing the unfinished work of Ziaur Rahman.
The government has adopted a 180-day action plan on a priority basis to fulfill the election pledge, with canal excavation work already underway. A high-level meeting at the ministry has resulted in the commencement of field-level supervision, according to Anee.
The minister detailed ongoing activities, including inspections of excavation works at Subhadya, Chunkutia, and Ati Zaynagar canals in Keraniganj, Dhaka. Additionally, a project is in progress in Jaintapur, Sylhet, to review the excavation of several important canals, followed by inspections of embankment and water body renovation in the haor areas of Sunamganj, crucial for flood protection during the monsoon season.
Upon completion of the pilot programme, long-term project work will commence, with the government planning to formulate a Development Project Proposal (DPP) to implement the master plan. Addressing obstacles, Anee noted the challenges posed by illegal constructions over canals and waste accumulation, which have disrupted natural water flow.
Anee assured that necessary measures will be taken to overcome these challenges in the public interest. The ministries of agriculture, LGRD and cooperatives, and disaster management and relief will work together to implement the master plan. In addition, a target has been set to plant 50 million trees over the next five years to protect the environment.
The minister highlighted the economic and environmental impacts of the excavation programme, predicting a reduction in waterlogging and improved irrigation during the dry season. This is expected to significantly boost agricultural production and support indigenous fish cultivation, thereby meeting protein demand.
Calling on all relevant ministries to promptly submit their action plans, Anee emphasized the project’s focus on livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. He also sought full cooperation from the general public to ensure the success of this grand programme.