Prime Minister to launch nationwide canal excavation programme on March 16

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to launch a nationwide programme on March 16 to excavate and re-excavate rivers, canals and other water bodies to improve irrigation, increase agricultural production and strengthen water management across the country.

He will formally inaugurate the programme by starting canal excavation work in Kaharole upazila of Dinajpur district, according to a handout issued today.

In the first phase, the initiative will be carried out in 54 districts. On the same day, ministers, advisers, the chief whip of the Jatiya Sangsad, state ministers, whips and members of parliament will simultaneously launch the programme in the remaining 53 districts.

The BNP-led government has taken up the initiative in line with its election manifesto, aiming to excavate and re-excavate about 20,000 kilometres of rivers, canals, water bodies and reservoirs across the country over the next five years.

The programme is expected to significantly improve irrigation facilities, boost agricultural output and create employment opportunities for rural communities.

It will also help increase the availability of surface water and reduce reliance on groundwater, which could play a role in mitigating drought, floods and waterlogging in various parts of the country.