News Flash
LAKSHMIPUR, April 18, 2026 (BSS) - Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee today said that the government will continue dredging and re-excavation of canals to remove water logging for boosting the agricultural production and protecting the environment.
He made the remarks while inaugurating the re-excavation work of the Rajapur–Debinagar canal at Uttar Joypur union under Lakshmipur Sadar upazila as the chief guest.
The minister said that the dredging of rivers, canals and water bodies would increase water flow, ensure irrigation facilities during the dry season and enhance the fish production. He emphasized that continued canal excavation would help to remove the water logging, expand cultivation and preserve the nature.
Highlighting the benefits of the project, he noted that re-excavating the Rajapur–Debinagar canal would provide irrigation support to local farmers and protect the residents from the water-logging during floods.
Tree plantation will be carried out along both sides of the canal to safeguard the environment, he said, adding that involving local people in the excavation work has created employment opportunities for them.
He further stated that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman initiated an agricultural revolution through canal excavation and under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, a new revolution in agriculture would be achieved through similar initiatives. He mentioned that canal excavation and re-excavation have already been launched in 54 districts in the first phase.
According to the minister, the government has set a target to excavate 20,000 kilometers of rivers and canals over the next five years.
Under the Employment Generation Programme for the Poorest (EGPP) of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, around 9 kilometers of the Rajapur–Debinagar canal are being re-excavated at a cost of Taka 21.5 million.
Besides, he inaugurated another canal re-excavation project stretching 6.62 kilometers from Mora Meghna to Char Martin in Lakshmipur Sadar upazila at a cost of Taka 18.5 million.
The event was presided over by Lakshmipur Deputy Commissioner SM Mehdi Hasan. Among others, Additional Superintendent of Police Hossain Md. Raihan Kazmi, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi OfficerKathoaiyapru Marma and Bangladesh Football Federation Vice President Wahid Uddin Chowdhury Happy were present as special guests.
