Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday inaugurated the re‑excavation of Dharar Khal, a dying canal in Bailor union of Trishal upazila of Mymensingh.
Arriving by road from Dhaka around 2:20pm amid rain, the premier unveiled a plaque to formally open the programme, UNB reports.
He then cut soil with a spade on the canal bank to mark the start of work and planted a palm tree beside the waterway.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister for Jute and Textiles Shariful Alam, local lawmaker Mahbubur Rahman Liton and Mymensingh Zilla Parishad Administrator Syed Emran Saleh Prince attended the event.
The 3.1‑kilometre canal was first excavated by former president Ziaur Rahman on 6 September 1979 but has since become almost defunct. As part of the government’s canal restoration programme, his son, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, inaugurated its revival.
After planting a sapling and inspecting the site, the premier addressed residents from a stage set up beside the canal.
Party leaders, activists and supporters greeted him with loud applause, while women villagers, marginal farmers and children expressed excitement at seeing him up close.
