News Flash
LAKSHMIPUR, March 13, 2026 (BSS) - Water Resources Minister Md Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee today conducted an extensive inspection of several vital canals in the district, signaling a major push towards restoring the nation's neglected water management systems.
The Minister visited the Rahmatkhali, Wapda, Joksin, and Mandari canals in the Sadar upazila to oversee restoration progress and finalize preparations for an upcoming national excavation initiative.
Speaking to reporters during his inspection, he highlighted the administrative and infrastructural challenges inherited by the current government.
He asserted that the absence of an elected administration for nearly two decades had led to a significant accumulation of systemic issues.
"There has been no elected government in this country for the last 17 years. We have to clean up the debris of these 17 years," he stated.
He further emphasized that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is committed to working with full inter-departmental coordination to implement initiatives that serve the public interest.
Anee assured that all welfare-oriented efforts would be realized through the sincerity and active cooperation of the citizenry.
Providing details on the upcoming national rollout, he announced that a comprehensive canal excavation programme is scheduled to commence on March 16.
The inaugural ceremony will take place at the Sahapara canal in Kaharole upazila of Dinajpur, where the Prime Minister is expected to formally open the drive, he added.
Following the inauguration, the Minister noted, the excavation programme will be expanded across the entire country in phases to restore essential water flow and drainage capacities.
Turning to the historical significance of the move, the Minister noted that the initiative draws inspiration from the pioneering work of the Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
He reminded the public that a similar canal excavation programme launched during President Zia's tenure yielded transformative economic results for the country.
The Minister expressed the government's firm intent to replicate this historical success to ensure that all of Bangladesh becomes self-reliant under the current leadership.
During the inspection, the Minister issued a stern warning to those who have illegally encroached upon canal lands.
He also addressed the issue of environmental degradation, calling on individuals using the waterways as waste disposal sites to become more cautious and environmentally aware.
He appealed for widespread public awareness to ensure the long-term sustainability of the restoration efforts.
