Kamrul Hasan : The government has once again placed importance on canal excavation programs in an effort to revitalize the country’s agriculture, environment, and rural economy. The canal excavation initiatives that were introduced nationwide during the tenure of late President Ziaur Rahman had once played a vital role in increasing agricultural production, improving irrigation systems, and reducing waterlogging. Following that development philosophy, the present government has now undertaken fresh initiatives to re-excavate canals and restore natural water flow across the country, said Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroz Khanam Rita MP.

She made these remarks on Monday afternoon while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Gazikhali Canal excavation program in Saturia of Manikganj district as the chief guest.
The event witnessed the presence of a large number of local administration officials, political leaders, elected representatives, and ordinary citizens.

The minister stated, “Bangladesh’s rural economy, agricultural production, and public life are deeply connected with rivers, canals, and wetlands. Due to years of neglect, many canals have become non-functional, resulting in severe waterlogging, irrigation crises in agriculture, and environmental imbalance in various regions. To address these challenges, the government has once again taken up canal excavation projects.”

She further said that late President Ziaur Rahman had introduced a well-planned canal excavation program to ensure food security and rural development, which had brought positive transformation to the country’s agricultural sector. According to her, the present government now aims to revive that realistic and people-oriented initiative in a modern context.

The meeting, presided over by Deputy Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana, also highlighted the government’s ongoing development activities. During her speech, the minister said the government is giving equal importance not only to infrastructural development but also to social stability and public safety.
She remarked, “Everyone must work together in a united manner to keep the country free from terrorism, drugs, and crime. No criminal, regardless of identity or affiliation, will be spared.”
Analysts believe that such statements indicate the government’s intention to emphasize political stability and law and order alongside development activities. Particularly in the implementation of local development projects, greater importance is now being placed on coordination between the administration and the people.

Referring to political issues during the program, Afroz Khanam Rita MP said that Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is working to ensure the fundamental rights of ordinary people in order to build the dream Bangladesh envisioned by late President Ziaur Rahman. However, she also alleged that an “evil force” is engaged in various conspiracies to hinder the country’s progress and development.

Addressing party leaders and activists, she said, “Everyone must remain united to protect the country’s development and safeguard the interests of the people. We must confront conspiracies collectively and fulfill the expectations of the masses.”

According to political analysts, inauguration ceremonies of local development projects are no longer limited to administrative activities alone; they are increasingly becoming significant platforms for expressing political positions and strengthening grassroots political engagement.

Local residents expressed hope that the re-excavation of the Gazikhali Canal would reduce waterlogging i…