Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that the government has initiated the nationwide canal excavation programme aimed at ensuring the efficient use of water by managing excess rainwater and maintaining water availability during dry periods.
Addressing a civic rally at the Sylhet City Corporation premises on Saturday afternoon, the prime minister said the initiative is designed to manage excess rainwater and ensure water availability in lean periods.
Earlier, the prime minister arrived in Sylhet from Dhaka in the morning and visited the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA). He later attended a programme at Chandnighat on the banks of the Surma River, where he laid the foundation stone of a Tk7,500 crore mega project to protect Sylhet city from flooding and prolonged waterlogging.
Senior government officials and political leaders, including Zubaida Rahman, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, and Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury, were present at the event.
Highlighting infrastructure plans, the prime minister said the government is considering introducing a double railway line on the Dhaka-Sylhet route to improve connectivity.
He added that expanding rail networks would help reduce traffic congestion and transportation costs, while limiting excessive road construction that can harm agricultural land.
On healthcare, he said a 250-bed hospital will soon be launched at Sylhet Medical College, with plans to expand it to 1,200 beds.
He also announced plans to recruit around 100,000 healthcare workers across the country.
The prime minister further announced the launch of “Notun Kuri Sports,” a nationwide youth programme expected to involve around 130,000 children, aimed at nurturing future athletes.
Referring to election pledges, he said the government has already begun implementing its commitments despite being in office for a short period. He expressed optimism that sustained efforts would help achieve the country’s development goals.
He also called on city authorities to promote awareness among schoolchildren about proper waste management to keep urban areas clean.
As part of his visit, the prime minister is scheduled to inaugurate the excavation of the Basia River, launch the Notun Kuri Sports programme at Sylhet District Stadium, and attend a party meeting later in the day.
