Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury acknowledged that Bangladesh’s economy is currently under pressure due to the ongoing Middle East conflict and the global energy crisis.
However, he emphasised that despite these challenges, the government is steadfast in pushing forward with its development initiatives.
“Even in the face of a difficult economic situation, the government is moving ahead with its work,” said the minister.
He highlighted key development projects, including the Family Card, Farmer Card, and an ambitious nationwide 20,000-kilometre canal excavation programme, which are being implemented while carefully managing financial constraints.
The minister made these comments during the inauguration of the re-excavation of the Bamansundar Canal in Mirsarai, Chittagong, on Monday afternoon. He stated that the current administration prioritises transparency and corruption-free implementation of development projects.
Khosru emphasised that the canal excavation programme will provide significant benefits to marginalised communities across the country. “Re-excavating canals will bring major changes to agriculture, fisheries, and rural livelihoods. It will also play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change,” he said.
He pointed out that many canals in Bangladesh have been polluted or illegally encroached upon. “No matter how influential the encroachers are, there will be no concessions,” the minister warned.
The Bamansundar Canal, which spans approximately 14 kilometres, is being re-excavated over three kilometres, stretching from Olipul to Banatali Jaldas Para.
Speaking to reporters after the inauguration, the minister said the restoration project aims to improve the livelihoods of local residents by boosting agricultural production and providing financial stability to farmers.
Later in the day, the minister addressed a public gathering at Maliash High School, where he was the chief guest. The event was organized by the Mirsarai Upazila Administration and the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC).
Among the notable attendees were State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, Mirsarai MP Nurul Amin, Chittagong Divisional Commissioner Dr Md Zia Uddin, Chittagong Police Superintendent Md. Nazir Ahmed Khan, BADC Chief Engineer Badiul Alam Sarkar, and Project Director Md Nurul Islam.
The event was chaired by Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia, while Mirsarai Upazila Executive Officer Somaiya Akhter delivered the welcome address. Leaders of the Upazila BNP and its affiliated organisations also spoke at the event.
BADC officials shared that the re-excavation of the Bamansundar Canal will provide irrigation for 564 hectares of land, allowing farmers to diversify their crops. Previously, the land could only support Aman crops. Once the canal is fully restored, Boro cultivation will be possible, reducing reliance on rainfall and boosting the farmers’ income.
The estimated cost of excavation is Tk1 million per kilometre.
So far, 52 kilometres of canal excavation have been completed in Mirsarai Upazila, helping to remove waterlogging from 5,000 hectares of land, improving irrigation, and increasing agricultural productivity.
Local residents recalled that, in the past, boats navigated the Bamansundar Canal, transporting agricultural produce and goods to markets. Over time, encroachment and lack of maintenance had rendered the canal largely unusable.
The re-excavation project aims to restore the canal’s utility and revive the region’s agricultural potential.
