Dhaka: Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee today announced that the government is focusing on both canal excavation and the protection of rivers and canals from encroachment and pollution. He made these remarks during a meeting with leaders of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) at his Secretariat office.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized that the current administration is committed to prioritizing canal excavation while simultaneously ensuring the protection of water bodies from encroachment and pollution. The meeting was attended by notable figures, including State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad.
Highlighting recent governmental actions, Minister Anee mentioned the swift approval of the Padma Barrage Project, which aims to protect the lives, livelihoods, and biodiversity of the southwest region. He also spoke about the importance of the Teesta River for the northern region, noting that ongoing studies by local and international experts seek to optimize public benefits from the river.
State Minister Azad reiterated the importance of prioritizing environmental and biodiversity protection before launching any development projects. He explained that multiple inter-ministerial meetings are conducted to ensure ecological considerations are integrated into all projects.
Leaders from BAPA urged the ministry to implement stronger measures to safeguard rivers, canals, wetlands, and other water bodies from encroachment and pollution. The meeting was also attended by Water Resources Secretary Dr. A.K.M. Shahabuddin, BAPA President Nur Mohammad Talukder, Vice-President Khushi Kabir, Dr. Shahidul Islam, and General Secretary Almagir Kabir, among others.