PM to launch canal excavation programme on March 16

Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman will launch a nationwide canal and river excavation programme on March 16 in Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur.

The initiative aims to restore 20,000 kilometres of waterways over the next four years.

The announcement was made by State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam following a meeting with the prime minister at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

The programme, a key commitment in the BNP’s election manifesto, aims to excavate and re excavate canals, rivers and other waterbodies across the country to improve drainage, irrigation and flood management.

According to the state minister, the initiative will be launched simultaneously in 54 other districts, with ministers and members of parliament joining local authorities to kick off activities in their respective regions.

“In line with the prime minister’s election manifesto, we will excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals, In sha Allah,” Mir Shahe Alam said.

The nationwide effort is expected to enhance water flow, restore navigability and support agricultural productivity, while also addressing long standing issues of waterlogging and environmental degradation linked to encroachment and siltation of water channels.