Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRA, May 13, 2026 (BSS) - Chattogram Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian today said canal digging has commenced nationwide to meet agricultural demands.

He said the excavation of the Bamonshahi canal in Chattogram has already begun. In addition, a total of 128 km of canals will be excavated, including 62 km covering 54 canals in the district.

The DC said soil extracted from canal excavation could be used in brick kilns, which would help ensure effective utilisation of soil and protect the topsoil of agricultural land.

He made the remarks at a press briefing organised by the District Information Office, Chattogram, at the Circuit House.

The briefing discussed implementation of government initiatives including family cards, farmer cards, agricultural loan support, tree plantation, and canal excavation programmes.

The DC said the family card programme will soon be introduced in Hathazari upazila, while the farmer card initiative will be launched in Chattogram in phases. He added that 20,000 saplings have already been planted at DC Park, with plans to plant 25 lakh saplings across the district over the next five years.

He also assured that measures would be taken to prevent soil from re-entering canals after excavation. Canals identified through surveys will be excavated in phases, prioritising those suitable for irrigation and fisheries.

The DC urged the media to help raise public awareness on government development initiatives and environmental protection, including proper waste disposal to reduce waterlogging.
 
During the press briefing, Ayesha Siddika, District Information Office Director, emphasized the efforts of the Department of Mass Communication and District Information Office Chattogram in promoting the government's development initiatives.
 
The event was attended by Additional District Magistrate Syed Mahbubul Haque, Additional Deputy Commissioners Md. Sharif Uddin and Md. Kamruzzaman, Press Club President Zahidul Karim Kochi, and senior officials from the Departments of Social Services, Agriculture, and Forests.