News Flash
PANCHAGARH, April 13, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad today said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has taken initiatives to transform the country into green.
“The Prime Minister’s initiatives to excavate and re-excavate canals will ensure supply of water for farming and tree plantation especially during dry season across the country,” he said while inaugurating as chief guest the excavation work of the Chetanai River at Gadepara under Mareya Bamanhat Union of Boda upazila of the district.
The minister said that once the river was full of water and fish, it served thousands of people in the region by supporting agriculture and other needs. However, it has now turned into a dead canal due to negligence and changes over time, he said, adding that the canals and rivers have lost their original form, with land filling and declining water levels leaving them nearly dry.
He added that their election pledge included excavating, re-excavating and restoring 20,000 kilometers of rivers, canals and water bodies. By conserving water in these restored water bodies, the government aims to make Bangladesh fertile once again, he added.
He also recalled that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had made the country self-sufficient in food in a short time through canal excavation initiatives in 1977 and even enabled food exports.
The state minister further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, a comprehensive plan has been undertaken involving not only the water resources ministry but also the ministries of agriculture, LGED and the disaster management. As part of this plan, regular excavation and restoration of canals, rivers and water bodies are going on in full-swing.
He mentioned that their election manifesto includes planting of 250 million trees. The initiative will also allow local people to engage in fish farming and duck rearing along the canal, helping to meet up protein needs and reduce malnutrition.
According to the minister, around 1,000 workers will be engaged in the excavation work, creating employment opportunities. Following the PM’s directive, 60% of those involved in the project will be laborers, farmers and students, which will both increase the community participation and generate jobs.
The excavation of 5.5 kilometers of the Chetanai River will be carried out at a cost of approximately Taka 1.85 million. The canal will have an average width of 5.5 feet and a depth of 3 feet. The work is being implemented through LGED farmer groups. After completion of the project, fruit-bearing trees will be planted along both sides of the canal, which is expected to have a positive impact on the local agricultural economy.
