Cumilla: Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid today announced that the government has already started taking concrete steps to fulfill the promises made to the public before the election. "Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) believes not in politics of words but in fulfilling people's expectations through real work, and various development initiatives have been launched with that objective in mind," Rashid stated during a press briefing held at Lalmai upazila in Cumilla.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Minister, who also oversees the Ministry of Food and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, was speaking as the chief guest at an event marking the inauguration of the re-excavation of a canal branch of the river Dakatiya in Dosharicho mouza. He highlighted that the government had announced the 'Family Card' for supporting poor and destitute women before the election, and its implementation process was initiated shortly after. Additionally, preparations for the 'Farmer Card' are nearly complete, aimed at assisting farmers and expected to be launched around Pohela Boishakh.
Rashid emphasized that nearly 70 percent of the population is involved in agriculture, either directly or indirectly. He stated that enhancing farmers' financial capacity would strengthen the economy, and the government has taken various supportive measures, including debt relief and other programs in the agriculture sector.
He also mentioned the BNP's promise to launch a nationwide canal excavation program, similar to initiatives during the late President Ziaur Rahman's tenure. In keeping with that promise, re-excavation and repair work on canals have commenced across different regions of the country. Rashid pointed out that these efforts would boost irrigation, reduce waterlogging, and increase fish production. Moreover, the government has engaged local communities in these development activities through voluntary labor.
The Agriculture Minister reiterated the government's commitment to fortifying the agriculture sector with farmer-friendly policies and establishing a sustainable rural economy. He called on local residents to be vigilant about canal conservation and management, noting that functional canals would boost agricultural output, facilitate water drainage, and expedite regional development.
Cumilla-10 lawmaker Md Mobaswer Alam Bhuiyan and Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) Chairman Md Azizul Islam were present as special guests, while Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan presided over the function.