Jashore: State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit announced that the current government is actively seeking a permanent solution to the waterlogging issue in Bhabadah, a persistent problem affecting the Jashore region. This statement was made during an event held to mark the inauguration of the re-excavation of the Buruli canal in Keshabpur upazila.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Amit criticized the previous BNP governments for their inadequate handling of the waterlogging situation during their tenures from 1991 to 1996 and 2001 to 2006. He claimed that their initiatives were insufficient, leading to prolonged suffering for the people of Abhaynagar, Manirampur, and Keshabpur upazilas. Amit argued that if successive governments had continued these projects and avoided misappropriation of public funds under the guise of development, the issue would have been largely resolved by now.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s administration is reportedly committed to addressing the hardships faced by the region’s residents. The government is focused on implementing solutions that will provide lasting relief from the waterlogging problems. The state minister emphasized this commitment while speaking as the chief guest at the event held at Buruli Primary School grounds.
The re-excavation of Buruli Canal was symbolically inaugurated by Amit, who initiated the process by cutting soil with a spade. He highlighted former President Ziaur Rahman’s efforts to support farmers by ensuring year-round irrigation through canal excavation programs and extending electricity to rural areas to facilitate irrigation.
Amit pointed out that subsequent governments failed to continue the canal excavation initiatives. He directed local administration officials and the Bangladesh Water Development Board to remove dams from the rivers and canals in the Bhabadah area and ensure the activation of sluice gates before the onset of the monsoon season.
The state minister also encouraged local youths to participate voluntarily in the army-led excavation work. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Jashore Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ashek Hasan and attended by several dignitaries, including Jashore District Council Administrator Delwar Hossain Khokon, District BNP President Syed Saberul Haque Sabu, Police Superintendent Syed Rafiqul Islam, and Keshabpur Upazila BNP President Abul Hossain Azad.