On Monday, Prime Minister Tarek Rahman inaugurated a major canal excavation programme in Sahapara, located in the Kaharoal upazila of Dinajpur. The ceremony commenced with the Prime Minister personally breaking the ground with a spade, officially marking the start of the project. Following the inauguration, he planted a tree along the canal bank, highlighting the initiative’s environmental dimension.
The Sahapara canal reopening marks the beginning of the nationwide “River, Canal, and Reservoir Excavation and Rehabilitation” initiative. Under the government’s five-year plan, approximately 20,000 kilometres of rivers, canals, and reservoirs across the country are scheduled for excavation or restoration.
In the first phase, the programme will be implemented in 53 districts. Officials from the relevant ministries stated that the initiative aims to alleviate waterlogging, improve irrigation systems, enhance agricultural production, and conserve reservoirs. They added that the project is expected to provide both immediate and long-term benefits to local farming communities.
The Prime Minister’s inauguration follows in the footsteps of her father, former President Ziaur Rahman, who had previously initiated a nationwide canal excavation programme. That historical project played a critical role in strengthening rural economies, boosting agricultural output, and improving irrigation infrastructure. Observers view the current programme as a continuation of that legacy.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several senior political figures:
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir | Secretary General of BNP; Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives |
| AZM Jahid Hossain | Minister of Social Welfare |
| Mohammad Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie | Minister of Water Resources |
| Asadul Habib | Minister of Disaster Management and Relief |
| Farhad Hossain Azad | State Minister for Water Resources |
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister travelled by air from Dhaka to Syedpur Airport. From there, she continued by road to the event site in Kaharoal, Dinajpur, ensuring her direct presence at the ceremonial launch.
Officials emphasised that the programme will benefit local farmers, fishermen, and rural communities by stabilising water management, increasing crop yields, and maintaining reservoirs. By restoring canals and improving water flow, the initiative is expected to reduce seasonal flooding and enhance irrigation coverage.
The government regards this initiative as a strategic long-term investment in the country’s rural infrastructure, aiming not only to modernise water management but also to support sustainable agricultural and environmental development. Over the coming years, the project will be closely monitored, with plans for expansion to additional districts as resources and results allow.