PM launches nationwide canal excavation initiative in Dinajpur

News Desk

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday inaugurated a nationwide canal excavation initiative aimed at restoring thousands of kilometers of rivers, canals, and waterways across the country.

The program was launched in Sahapara village of Kaharol upazila in Dinajpur, where the Prime Minister ceremonially cut soil with a spade under the scorching sun to mark the beginning of the project. The initiative seeks to recover nearly 20,000 kilometers of rivers, streams, and canals that have long remained neglected across the country.

Addressing the inaugural gathering, Tarique Rahman said the initiative was inspired by the historic canal excavation movement introduced by former president Ziaur Rahman.

“We follow the ideals of Shaheed Zia and the political philosophy of Khaleda Zia. Our goal is not merely to capture power, but to ensure food security for the nation and bring smiles to the faces of farmers,” he said.

The Prime Minister also recalled that, as pledged before the election, the government waived agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000, including interest, at its first cabinet meeting.

Emphasizing the importance of agriculture, Tarique Rahman said the prosperity of farmers is directly linked to the wellbeing of the country. “If farmers do well, Bangladesh will do well,” he added.

Expressing concern, he noted that over the past one and a half to two decades many rivers, canals, and waterways have become clogged due to neglect and poor maintenance. As a result, during the monsoon season upstream water often floods homes and livestock, while in the dry season farmland suffers from severe water shortages.

He further pointed out that groundwater levels have dropped significantly over time, making it increasingly important to conserve surface water.

According to the Prime Minister, once the excavation of 20,000 kilometers of canals is completed, excess monsoon water can be stored as a reserve and used for irrigation throughout the year, helping ensure sustainable agricultural production.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced that Family Cards will be distributed to housewives of 4 crore families across the country as part of a new government initiative aimed at expanding social support.

Speaking at a public gathering, the Prime Minister said that 37,000 cards have already been distributed, and the remaining cards will be provided to the mothers and sisters in phases to ensure benefit from the program.

In addition to the Family Card initiative, the Prime Minister revealed plans to introduce a Farmer Card for small and marginal farmers. He said the card will enable farmers to receive all government assistance directly, making access to support and benefits easier and more efficient.

Highlighting government efforts to address unemployment in northern Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman also spoke about plans to establish agriculture-based industries and mills in the region. He said that after Eid al-Fitr, the government will hold meetings with major companies to begin work on Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and new industries in Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, and across the Rangpur Division.

Addressing the large gathering, he said the country belongs to its people, not to any individual or family. He cautioned that some may attempt to mislead the public with attractive promises, but emphasized that such attempts must be countered through concrete actions and development.

He also questioned why Bangladesh could not achieve the same level of development as other nations that have successfully progressed.

Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister said he would visit the area again to personally inspect the 12-kilometre Shahapara canal once construction is completed. Noting that many attendees had been standing in the sun while fasting, he advised them to drink plenty of water after iftar to take care of their health.

Among those present at the event were Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Secretary General and Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives; Dr AZM. Zahid Hossain, Minister of Social Welfare; Md.Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Minister of Water Resources; Asadul Habib Dulu, Minister of Disaster Management and Relief; and Farhad Hossain Azad, State Minister for Water Resources.

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