DHAKA, March 13,  (V7N) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate a major nationwide programme on March 16 to excavate and re-excavate rivers, canals and water bodies, aimed at boosting irrigation, strengthening water management and increasing agricultural production.  

According to an official handout, the Prime Minister will formally launch the initiative by starting canal excavation work at Kaharole upazila in Dinajpur district. On the same day, ministers, advisers, the chief whip of the Jatiya Sangsad, state ministers, whips and MPs will inaugurate the programme simultaneously in 53 other districts.  

In its first phase, the project will be implemented in 54 districts across the country. The BNP-led government has undertaken the initiative in line with its election manifesto, targeting the excavation and re-excavation of about 20,000 kilometres of rivers, canals, water bodies and reservoirs over the next five years.  

Officials said the programme is expected to play a vital role in:  

Improving irrigation facilities for farmers   

Boosting agricultural production nationwide  

Creating rural employment opportunities  

Increasing surface water availability and reducing dependence on groundwater  

- Mitigating drought, floods and waterlogging in vulnerable regions  

END/AJ/RH