Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate two new canal excavation projects in Shailkupa (Jhenaidah) and Feni districts this month as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to accelerate nationwide canal and river re-excavation programmes.
Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee told reporters on Wednesday after a meeting with the prime minister at the Secretariat.
The minister reported that canal and river re-excavation activities have already started in 54 districts across the country. He noted that ministers and state ministers are personally supervising the projects in various districts.
Local communities are being actively involved to ensure smooth implementation, and monitoring cells have been formed to prevent future encroachment.
The minister added that the government is taking all necessary steps, including removing industrial waste, clearing illegal structures, and preventing unauthorised occupation, to ensure the ongoing 180-day programme is completed on schedule.
State Minister Farhad Hossain Azad also emphasised the importance of community participation in these projects, saying it will help prevent future encroachment or filling.
He said a monitoring cell has been established under the ministry to oversee the initiatives, and district administrations along with relevant officials will conduct regular inspections.
