Minthu’s Son Delivers: Dadna Canal Revived

After more than two decades of neglect and obstruction, the Dadna Canal in Daganbhuiya has finally been restored to life. Once clogged with mounds of waste and debris, the canal—long deprived of flowing water—now boasts clear fountains, marking the revival of a vital waterway. For years, approximately one-third of the canal had been unlawfully occupied by local interests, compounding its degradation. Earlier this year, the Upazila and municipal authorities successfully reclaimed the encroached sections, though the canal remained choked with accumulated filth.

Prior to the national elections, Tajwar M. Awal, the younger son of Bangladesh’s Minister for Forests, Environment, and Climate Change, Abdul Awal Mintu took the initiative to clean the canal. He approached Footstep, a Dhaka-based environmental services company, to undertake the task. While the company began preliminary work, electoral conduct regulations forced the local administration to suspend the project temporarily.

At the time, Tajwar Awal promised the community that regardless of the election outcome, he would ensure the canal’s full restoration. True to his word, immediately after the elections, he instructed Footstep to resume operations. Over the course of five intensive days, the team cleared decades of waste, restored the waterway, and reintroduced the canal’s natural flow.

Local business figures and residents have expressed profound relief. Azmul Haque Sumon, a trader from Daganbhuiya Market, remarked, “During the monsoon, the blocked canal caused severe waterlogging throughout the municipal area. Market streets, particularly Fazilerghat Road, would become almost impassable. With the canal restored, we expect significant improvement in drainage and public convenience. We hope the canal will be vigilantly protected from future encroachment or pollution.”

Jasim Uddin Liton, General Secretary of the Daganbhuiya Market Welfare Association, added, “The merchants’ long-standing demand was the de-encroachment and cleaning of Dadna Canal. While authorities removed the illegal occupation, the canal remained lifeless. Tajwar M. Awal has now revived it, and we extend our gratitude on behalf of both market traders and municipal residents. We also urge the minister to ensure continued maintenance and to consider developing the canal into a scenic lake with a waterside walkway.”

Tajwar M. Awal commented, “When I visited Daganbhuiya Market, the clogged canal immediately caught my attention. I contacted Footstep to start cleaning, but due to electoral regulations, the work was paused. Once the election concluded, we resumed and completed the restoration. Insha’Allah, we will continue this work in the future.”

Dadna Canal Restoration Summary

The revival of Dadna Canal not only resolves long-standing drainage issues but also revitalises a crucial ecological asset, improving both the urban landscape and environmental health of Daganbhuiya.