PM to launch national canal excavation programme on March 16

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to inaugurate a nationwide canal excavation and re-excavation programme on March 16, aimed at restoring rivers, canals and other water bodies across the country.

The programme will be launched in Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam told reporters on Tuesday (March 10) after a meeting with the prime minister at the Secretariat.

Under the initiative, the government plans to excavate and re-excavate nearly 20,000 kilometres of canals and water bodies nationwide.

Officials said the project forms part of the ruling party’s election pledges and will be implemented over four years.

On the day of the inauguration, ministers and members of parliament in 54 other districts will simultaneously launch the programme in their respective areas with support from local administrations.

The project will be implemented in coordination with the ministries of water resources, local government, disaster management and relief, and agriculture.

Mir Shahe Alam said the prime minister has emphasised involving local communities and labourers in the excavation work, with limited use of machinery. At least 60–70% of the work is expected to be carried out through labour-intensive methods.

Volunteer organisations as well as students from schools and colleges may also be engaged in the programme in some areas, he added.

Responding to past allegations of corruption in canal excavation projects, the state minister said the government is prioritising public participation and oversight, while ensuring the presence of local ministers and lawmakers during implementation to maintain transparency.