Dhaka, Mar 02 (V7N) — State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque inaugurated a canal cleaning program at the Paris Canal in the Pallabi area of Mirpur on Monday morning.

The inauguration took place around 11:00 am, with Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqul Islam Milton present at the event.

Milton said excavation of the canal cannot begin immediately due to illegal settlements on both sides. He added that discussions with local residents will be held after Eid, and dredging work will start afterward.

Minister Aminul Haque stated that the Paris Canal is gradually disappearing because of illegal encroachment, which has worsened waterlogging across large parts of Mirpur. He emphasized that restoring and preserving the canal is a priority for the current government.

Meanwhile, residents living along the canal expressed concern, saying they have lived there for many years and fear becoming homeless if eviction occurs without proper rehabilitation.

END/SMA/AJ