State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad said today that excavating canals, rivers, and water reservoirs is vital to restoring the country’s natural biodiversity.
He recalled that former President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of the nation’s independence, had initiated nationwide canal excavation programmes to protect biodiversity and ensure food security.
He criticised the previous Sheikh Hasina-led government for failing to maintain these water bodies, resulting in loss of navigability and ecological balance.
Highlighting the current initiative, the minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, son of Ziaur Rahman, officially launched a countrywide canal excavation campaign in Dinajpur on 16 March. As part of the programme, re-excavation work on the Singzani Canal has begun in Gobindaganj upazila of Gaibandha.
The minister inaugurated the re-excavation project as the chief guest and directed officials to complete the work efficiently and within the stipulated timeframe to achieve its objectives.
Local MP Shameem Kaisar Lingkon and Gaibandha district BNP president Professor Dr Moynul Hasan Sadik attended the inauguration.
