State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku inaugurated dredging of the Dhaleshwari and Louhajang rivers along with riverbank protection work in Tangail today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, May 02, 2026 (BSS)- State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku has said dredging and re-excavation of canals and rivers across the country has begun in line with BNP’s election manifestoes and will be implemented in phases.

He made the remarks while inaugurating dredging of the Dhaleshwari and Louhajang rivers along with riverbank protection work at Khudirampur area under Tangail Sadar upazila here today.

The state minister said the rivers, canals and wetlands play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. However, he noted with grave concern that many rivers are now dying due to siltation and pollution.

He also described the present condition of Tangail’s major rivers as alarming.

He said that restoring natural water flow would facilitate agriculture and increase fish production, ultimately improving the livelihoods of local people. 

“In the past, the people used to live depending on the rivers but those opportunities have now become limited,” he added.

Alongside dredging, the government will implement the riverbank protection work, construct walkways and undertake tree plantation programme. 

As part of the government’s plan to plant 250 million trees over next five years, large-scale afforestation will also be carried out in Tangail, he said.

The state minister further stated that strict measures would be taken to prevent industrial waste from being dumped into rivers. A monitoring committee will also be formed to ensure proper implementation of the dredging projects.

Responding to a question from the journalists, he said that initiatives have already been taken to restore the natural flow of important rivers here and elsewhere something long demanded by local residents. Illegal encroachments on rivers will be removed through administrative action and necessary instructions were already been given to the authorities.

Replying to another question regarding livestock supply ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, the minister said that there is sufficient stock of cattle in the country, and local farmers are capable of meeting domestic demand. He added that the ministry will hold an official briefing on the matter tomorrow.

Water Development Board Executive Engineer Main Uddin presided over the meeting while senior officials were present.