Dhaka, Mar 10,  (V7N) – Commerce, Industries, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir today said the government is placing special emphasis on expanding irrigation facilities to increase agricultural production across the country.

He made the remarks while laying the foundation stone of the project titled “Excavation of Bangshi Khal from Jangail Surma River to Bolaura Jilkar Haor” in Sylhet Sadar upazila, according to a ministry press release.

The minister said many agricultural lands in the Sylhet region remain unable to produce additional crops during the dry season due to a shortage of irrigation water. To address the problem, a canal stretching about six kilometres will be excavated from Jangail to Bolaura.

He said once the canal excavation work is completed, nearly 6,000 hectares of agricultural land will come under irrigation coverage, allowing farmers to cultivate additional crops and increase their income.

According to the minister, the initiative will also contribute significantly to boosting the country’s overall food production.

Muktadir said the newly elected government is committed to implementing the pledges made to the people during the election and has already taken steps to implement several development programmes within just 21 days of assuming office.

As part of these initiatives, he noted that the Family Card distribution programme has already begun in different parts of the country.

He added that the development plans presented before the election will be implemented gradually, and the government will continue working to improve the living standards of people across the country, including those in the Sylhet region.

Later, the minister formally inaugurated the excavation work of Bangshi Khal.

Among others, Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam and Sylhet Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khoshnur Rubaiyat were present at the programme along with local dignitaries.

END/AJ/RH