Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan inaugurated the re-excavation of Kapaltoli Canal in Gournadi Upazila. Photo: BSS

BARISHAL, Feb 22, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir 
Uddin Swapan today said the government has undertaken a plan to excavate 
20,000 kilometres of canals across the country.

"The government will excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals nationwide. The 
formal inauguration of this nationwide programme will be held soon. As part 
of the initiative, canal re-excavation activities have already begun in 
Barishal," he said while inaugurating the re-excavation of the Kapalatali 
canal at Kandapasha under Gournadi upazila around 11:30am.

The re-excavation programme is being implemented under the Barishal, Bhola, 
Jhalakathi and Pirojpur District Irrigation Development Project to improve 
water management and boost agricultural productivity in the region, the 
minister said.

Alongside canal restoration, a tree plantation drive has also been launched 
as part of the government's afforestation efforts, he said, adding that the 
activities would be further intensified.

Local administration officials and other concerned persons were present at 
the inauguration ceremony.

Highlighting the government's commitment to democratic governance, Swapan 
said, "We will not establish a partisan government or a partisan state, we 
want to build a government of the people."

"If elected, we will remain in office; if not, we will step aside. But we 
will institutionalise the electoral system," he continued.

He also underscored the importance of ensuring a suitable environment for 
civil administration and police so that they can work effectively in service 
of the people.