Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the canal excavation programme on Monday by excavating the Sahapara Canal in Balrampur, Dinajpur. This initiative marks the start of a nationwide project spanning 53 districts.
Residents of Balrampur believe the PM, who also serves as the BNP chairman, is following the legacy of his father, former president Ziaur Rahman. Nearly five decades ago, Ziaur Rahman launched canal excavation programmes, joining hundreds of citizens in the labour.
The visit has sparked significant enthusiasm in Kaharol area, with a festive atmosphere prevailing in Balrampur. Kulsum Begum, a 74-year-old resident, expressed her hope for the Tarique’s arrival, saying, “Tarique Rahman is now the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Like his father, the son is digging canals.”
Sahapara canal currently resembles uneven heaps of earth, it remains dry even during the monsoon, causing severe waterlogging. The 12-kilometre-long canal in Ramchandrapur union eventually connects with the district’s main river, the Punarbhaba.
Locals are optimistic that the re-excavation will transform the region. Shiuly Khatun, a local housewife, said, “We are not well. This Sahapara canal is our sorrow. Tarique Rahman has come, perhaps our sorrow will end with the re-excavation of this canal.”
Al Amin, a secondary school student, added that the project would prevent waterlogging and allow for fish farming and afforestation along the banks.
Many locals have gathered to participate in the excavation through voluntary labour. Anit, one of the participants, said, “Today is a day of great joy for us. The prime minister has come; we cannot express the joy in our hearts in words. We are happy to participate in this programme in such numbers. We will dig the canal today without any remuneration. This is our pride.”
