Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu ‍addressing on the occassion of Damdama canal excavation inauguration programme in Godagari, Rajshahi. Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, March 16, 2026 (BSS)- Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu said the 
nationwide canal excavation programme begun across the country today was 
pioneered by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

"The government took the initiative to re-excavate rivers, canals and water 
bodies aimed at improving irrigation, boosting agricultural production and 
strengthening water management. We will dig our own soil to bring water. We 
will cultivate that land and achieve food self-sufficiency," he said
 
The Land Minister made these remarks on Monday afternoon while inaugurating the Damdama 
canal excavation programme in Godagari upazila of the district.
 
The minister said, "From 1972 to 1975, Bangladesh faced severe famine. There 
was no food; people were destitute, with skeletal bodies. Yet the population 
was around seven crore at that time."

"When Shaheed Zia came to power, he inspired the people. Through canal 
excavation across the country, he transformed single-crop land into triple-
crop land. In this way, by 1977-78, he had brought Bangladesh close to food 
self-sufficiency," he added.
 
At the time, the minister also recalled his student days in Rajshahi when 
Ziaur Rahman came to dig canals.
 
He commented that the canal excavation had inspired the people and brought 
significant changes to the area.
 
During the inauguration of the canal excavation programme, District 
Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhtar, Superintendent of Police 
Mohammad Naimul Hasan, officials from various government departments and 
local residents were present.