Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the re-excavation work of the Basia River in Sylhet on 2 May, Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has said.
He made the announcement on Friday while inspecting the Basia River area at Masukganj in Sylhet Sadar upazila.
The minister said the Basia River once served as an important connecting route between the Surma and Meghna rivers.
He also noted that late president Ziaur Rahman had visited the area twice during his lifetime and had initiated excavation work on the river.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Anee said around 5,000 hectares of land surrounding the river would benefit from the initiative.
He added that the re-excavation would improve irrigation facilities and help protect local communities from flooding and waterlogging.
He further said the government has undertaken a nationwide programme to excavate and re-excavate rivers, canals, ponds, and other water bodies in the interest of agriculture and environmental protection.
The work will be carried out using both excavators and manual labour, he said, urging public cooperation for successful implementation.
Officials present during the visit included Water Development Board Director General Md Enayet Ullah and Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam, among others.
