LAKSHMIPUR, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin  Chowdhury Annie today declared that the government is set to launch a massive  nationwide canal excavation initiative within the next 180 days.  Speaking to journalists following a high-level view-exchange meeting with the  district administration, police, and Water Development Board (WDB) officials  at the Lakshmipur Circuit House this morning, the Minister emphasized that  both the comprehensive implementation plan and the specific excavation dates  are currently being finalized to ensure a disciplined rollout of the project. Annie noted that these development goals are strictly aligned with recent  mandates issued by the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during a cabinet  meeting.  He highlighted that the Prime Minister has explicitly directed the cabinet to  prioritize the improvement of the national law and order situation, stabilize  the prices of essential commodities ahead of the Holy month of Ramadan, and  maintain the steady momentum of regional development projects across the  country.  "We are working diligently in accordance with the Prime Minister's  instructions to ensure that public services and regional growth remain  uninterrupted," he added. In addition to these national objectives, the Minister addressed specific  local grievances, pledging immediate action on critical water resource  challenges in the Lakshmipur district.  He announced that excavation work on the Bhulua River and the Rahmat Khali  Canal would be prioritized to improve local drainage and irrigation.  Furthermore, the Minister stated that ongoing river erosion in the region  would be addressed through a phased prevention strategy and reaffirmed his  commitment to the development of local road networks as previously promised  to the public. Earlier, upon his arrival at the Circuit House, the Minister was received  with floral greetings by District Commissioner (DC) SM Mehedi Hasan and  Superintendent of Police (SP) Abu Tareq, followed by a formal Guard of  Honour.  In his capacity as the Joint Secretary General of the BNP, Minister Annie  also exchanged views with a cross-section of party leaders and activists,  underlining the synergy between administrative governance and political  engagement. The meeting was attended by a host of senior officials and dignitaries,  including District Commissioner SM Mehedi Hasan, Superintendent of Police Abu  Tareq, and Deputy Director of Local Government and Lakshmipur Municipal  Administrator Md Jasim Uddin.