Lakshmipur, Mar 13 (V7N) — Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Water Resources Minister and Joint Secretary General of Bangladesh Nationalist Party, said Friday that there has been no elected government in Bangladesh for 17 years, and his administration is working to “clean up the mess” left behind.

Speaking during his visit to Rahmatkhali, WAPDA, Joksin, and Mandari canals in Lakshmipur Sadar Upazila, Annie said the government, under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, is coordinating with all departments to implement canal excavation and other development programs in the interest of the public. “Those occupying land or requiring special cooperation will be engaged as part of a patriotic government working alongside the people,” he said.

He also highlighted the upcoming Sahapara Canal excavation program in Kaharul Upazila, Dinajpur, which will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister on March 16. Annie noted that canal excavation programs initiated by President Ziaur Rahman historically doubled production, increased fish farming, and promoted self-reliance in local areas. “To make all of Bangladesh self-reliant, everyone’s cooperation is needed. We will continue Ziaur Rahman’s agenda under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman,” he said.

Annie stressed the importance of clearing garbage and encroachments from canals. “If we do not remove the waste and illegal occupation, the benefits of digging canals cannot reach the people. Canal excavation will continue, but public cooperation is essential,” he added.

Present at the occasion were District Water Development Board Executive Engineer Nahid-Uz Zaman Khan, BFF Vice President Wahid Uddin Chowdhury Happy, Sadar (East) Upazila BNP President Main Uddin Chowdhury Riaz, Chandraganj Thana BNP President M Belal Hossain, District Volunteer Dal President Mohsin Kabir Swapan, District Chhatra Dal President Hasan Mahmud Ibrahim, and other local leaders and activists.

END/SMA/AJ