Dinajpur: The launch of a canal re-excavation programme by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dinajpur on Monday stirred memories of a similar initiative taken nearly five decades ago by his father, former president Ziaur Rahman.
According to United News of Bangladesh, residents of Balrampur village in Kaharol upazila said Tarique Rahman appeared to be following the path of the BNP founder by personally joining the excavation work with a spade. About five decades ago, Ziaur Rahman took part in canal excavation work by cutting soil with a spade alongside hundreds of villagers of different ages.
Accompanied by ministers and BNP leaders, Tarique Rahman personally began the re-excavation of the Sahapara canal by cutting soil with a spade at Balrampur Sahapara in Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur around 12:27 pm. By cutting the first soil from the canal, he formally launched the nationwide programme, marking the start of similar activities across the country.
Several thousand local people enthusiastically watched as the head of government dug the canal himself, following in the footsteps of his late father. Sixty-five-year-old resident Halima Khatun of Balrampur village said the programme reminded many people of the earlier initiative led by Ziaur Rahman. She remarked that just like his father, Tarique Rahman is taking part in canal digging, recalling Ziaur Rahman's voluntary work with ordinary people.
Sahapara canal in Balrampur now looks more like uneven piles of soil than a flowing canal, as much of the water has dried up over the years. During the monsoon, water flow through the canal remains limited, often leading to waterlogging in nearby areas. A local resident, Amjad Hossain, mentioned that the canal has long been a source of hardship for people in the area, expressing hope that the re-excavation might end their suffering.
The nearly 12-kilometre Sahapara canal in Ramchandrapur union of Dinajpur's Kaharol upazila is connected with the Punarbhaba River, one of the main rivers in the district. The river flows from India's West Bengal into Bangladesh through Thakurgaon before passing through Dinajpur. The visit of the Prime Minister has created excitement among people in the area, with many villagers, including children and women, coming out of their homes to see him as his motorcade travelled about 12-13 kilometres to the programme venue in Balrampur.
Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister and Dinajpur-6 MP Professor AZM Zahid Hossain stated that local people are taking part in the re-excavation of the canal. According to local leaders, the canal was first excavated in 1977 by then president Ziaur Rahman with the participation of local villagers and party activists.
Prof Zahid Hossain highlighted that once the entire canal is completed, around 31,000 farmers in the region will benefit directly, while nearly 350,000 people will gain overall benefits. The re-excavation would help solve the area's waterlogging problem, increase crop production, and improve the local economy. The project is also expected to create opportunities for fish farming, duck rearing, and plantation along the banks of the canal, contributing to environmental balance and increased agricultural production.
From early morning, leaders and activists started gathering at the venue in small processions. Many villagers also came to see the Prime Minister. General Secretary of Ramchandrapur union BNP Anwarul Islam noted that people in the area suffer from waterlogging during the monsoon, with water entering houses and low-lying croplands going underwater. He expressed optimism that the re-excavation of Sahapara canal will greatly benefit the community.