Dhaka: Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman announced that the government plans to excavate 20,000 kilometers of rivers, canals, and beels in Bangladesh over the next five years, as part of a program initiated by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the re-excavation project of a three-kilometer canal stretching from Moragachha to Hashimpur in Khoksa Upazila.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the initiative is part of a broader effort to not only excavate these waterways but also to address issues of illegal occupation of river, canal, and beel land. "We will evict those who have illegally occupied these lands," the minister stated, emphasizing the government's commitment to maintaining the integrity of Bangladesh's waterways.
The minister also addressed concerns regarding the large number of legal cases affecting the general population, stating that the government plans to hold discussions with affected parties and the judiciary to find effective solutions. "We will try to resolve the problems by taking effective steps in the form of recommendations," he said.
In response to questions about the National Citizen Party and the July Charter, Asaduzzaman dismissed the NCP's comments as "half-understood," affirming that the government would address these in parliament. He assured that the government is progressing with both emotion and law, respecting the principles of the July Charter.
The Khoksar Moragachha-Hasimpur Canal re-excavation work is being carried out by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, under the Department of Disaster Management. This project is part of a nationwide effort to improve the navigability of rivers and canals, expand irrigation, boost crop production, and enhance environmental conditions.
A discussion meeting organized by the district administration took place at the Moragachha Government Primary School ground, highlighting the significance of these projects. The minister noted that these initiatives align with the government's election manifesto, aiming to strengthen river-based communication and enhance self-reliance among the population.
Recalling the contributions of former President Ziaur Rahman, Asaduzzaman remarked on the agricultural advancements achieved through canal excavation during Rahman's tenure, which played a pivotal role in achieving food self-sufficiency for Bangladesh.