The re-excavation of the long-abandoned Shilak canal (Shilak Mora Khal) has begun in Shilak Union of Rangunia upazila in Chattogram, with lawmaker Humam Quader Chowdhury formally inaugurating the project.
The two-kilometre-long canal, once restored, is expected to bring around 500 hectares of land under cultivation, benefiting a large number of farmers in the surrounding area.
The lawmaker visited the site on Friday afternoon, where he exchanged greetings with local residents.
Speaking as the chief guest at a programme organised by the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), Rangunia, he highlighted the revitalising irrigation infrastructure to boost agricultural productivity. He later inaugurated the work by cutting soil with a spade.
Humam Quader Chowdhury said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been working to fulfill commitments made to farmers since assuming office after the elections. He added that agricultural loans of up to Tk10,000 have been waived to support farmers.
Referring to the canal excavation programme introduced by former president Ziaur Rahman, he described it as a “revolutionary initiative” that remains incomplete. He expressed hope that such stalled projects would be revived and completed under the current leadership.
He further said that despite challenges, efforts to restore the canal’s natural flow will continue, as it reflects the aspirations of the people and is vital for agricultural development. He also urged all to cooperate in implementing the project and emphasized the need to expand agricultural activities across the region.
Among others, Shilak Union BNP President Mokaram Hossain Bantu and Rangunia Upazila BNP member Jamshed Ali Talukder also addressed the occasion.
