MOULVIBAZAR, March 16, (V7N) – Labour and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury today inaugurated the excavation work of the Katagang canal in Sadar upazila, describing the initiative as a new dimension for the local economy and environment.  

The Minister said the programme, part of the nationwide canal and river excavation drive, will significantly improve irrigation systems, enabling farmers to cultivate three crops a year instead of two, thereby strengthening food security. He added that fruit-bearing and medicinal saplings would be planted along canal banks to maintain ecological balance and create new economic opportunities.  

Chowdhury emphasized public participation, recalling how citizens voluntarily joined canal excavation programmes during the tenure of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. He expressed hope that people would once again unite to implement Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s development mission.  

Among those present were Naser Rahman MP, Deputy Commissioner Towhiduzzaman Pavel, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Billal Hossain, and Chief Engineer of the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation Muhammad Badrul Alam.  

END/AJ/RH