Lakshmipur: Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee announced that the government has launched new programs to complete the unfinished works of the late BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. These initiatives are part of efforts to build a self-reliant Bangladesh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Minister made these remarks while attending a fish fry release program at Rahmatkhali Canal. He emphasized the importance of implementing development projects without political bias, stating that such initiatives could significantly revitalize the rural economy. He highlighted Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's role in launching various national programs since the election, including a campaign to plant 25 crore trees across the country over the next five years.
The government has also planned to re-excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals nationwide, with completion expected within five years. The fish fry release is part of these broader initiatives. Anee referred to the efforts of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, who initiated various programs, including canal excavation, with the vision of creating a self-reliant Bangladesh.
The Minister stressed the government's focus on rural infrastructure development, linking these programs to environmental protection. He described Rahmatkhali Canal as vital to Lakshmipur, noting that the removal of water hyacinth had improved water flow. As part of the ongoing efforts, fish fry were released into the canal.
The event was attended by Lakshmipur Deputy Commissioner SM Mehedi Hasan, Superintendent of Police Md Abu Tarek, Executive Engineer of the District Water Development Board Nahid Uz-Zaman Khan, District Fisheries Officer Jasim Uddin, District BNP Joint Convener Hasib-ur Rahman, and Bangladesh Football Federation Vice-President Wahid Uddin Chowdhury. Fish fry were distributed to 33 government and private institutions for release into ponds, as part of an initiative by the District Fisheries Department.