Dinajpur, Mar 16 (V7N)- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday inaugurated a nationwide program to excavate and re-excavate rivers, canals, and reservoirs, fulfilling an election pledge of the government.

The Prime Minister formally launched the initiative by digging a canal with a spade at Sahapara village in Balrampur of Kaharol Upazila in Dinajpur at around 12:30 pm. The program simultaneously began excavation work on 54 canals across the country.

Local residents welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm, expressing hope that the canal excavation will help resolve water shortages and improve irrigation facilities in the area.

According to the government’s plan, around 20,000 kilometers of rivers, canals, and reservoirs will be excavated and re-excavated across Bangladesh over the next five years to support agricultural irrigation and maintain environmental balance. The project will initially be implemented in 54 districts in the first phase.

Earlier in the day, at about 9:30 am, the Prime Minister left Dhaka by a domestic flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Saidpur. After arriving at Saidpur Airport, he traveled by road to the program venue.

The canal excavation initiative has historical roots. In 1977, then President Ziaur Rahman launched a similar canal-digging program aimed at rural development and agricultural revival. At that time, 3,636 miles of canals were excavated nationwide to preserve water for irrigation during the dry season. He also introduced the Food-for-Work program, which engaged local people directly in development activities.

END/SMA/AJ