PM inaugurates Ulashi Canal Re-excavation Project in Jashore

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has inaugurated the re-excavation of the Ulashi Canal in Sharsha upazila of Jashore as part of the government’s nationwide initiative to restore rivers, canals and water bodies to enhance environmental protection and climate resilience.

The inauguration took place at 11:55am on Monday (April 27), after which the Prime Minister was scheduled to attend a public gathering.

Earlier in the morning, he departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and arrived at Jashore Airport at around 10:15am. He was received by senior government officials, including State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit and Local Government State Minister Mir Shahe Alam.

The 4-kilometre Ulashi–Jadunathpur canal was originally excavated in 1976 through voluntary labour under then military ruler Ziaur Rahman. The project, popularly known as “Zia Canal,” is now being re-excavated by the Bangladesh Water Development Board.

Officials said the canal remains historically significant, with the original plaque from the 1976 initiative still preserved at the site.