The government is focusing on expanding irrigation facilities to increase agricultural productivity, said Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir.
He made the remark during a foundation-laying ceremony for a ‘Excavation of Banshikhali Canal from Jangail Surma River to Balura Jilkar Haor’ project in Sylhet Sadar Upazila.
The major canal project stretching nearly 6 kilometers from the Jangail Surma River to Balura Jilkar Haor, aims to provide irrigation to around 6,000 hectares of farmland.
The minister noted that many farms in the region remain unable to cultivate extra crops during the dry season due to limited water supply.
The new canal is expected to increase crop yields, improve farmers’ incomes, and strengthen the country’s overall food production.
“The newly elected government is committed to fulfilling its election promises,” Muktadir said. “Within just 21 days of taking office, development initiatives, including nationwide family card distribution, have already begun.”
He added that the government plans to implement all development projects presented during the election in phases, aiming to improve living standards across Sylhet and other regions of Bangladesh.
The minister formally inaugurated the canal excavation, and the event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khoshnoor Rubaiyat, and other local dignitaries.
