LAKSHMIPUR, March 13, (V7N) – Water Resources Minister Md Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee today carried out an extensive inspection of several key canals in Lakshmipur, signaling the government’s determination to restore neglected water management systems across Bangladesh.  

The Minister visited the Rahmatkhali, Wapda, Joksin, and Mandari canals in Sadar upazila to review restoration progress and finalize preparations for the upcoming nationwide excavation initiative.  

Speaking to reporters, Anee highlighted the challenges inherited by the current administration, noting that the absence of an elected government for nearly two decades had left behind “a significant accumulation of systemic issues.”  

 “There has been no elected government in this country for the last 17 years. We have to clean up the debris of these 17 years,” he said.  

He emphasized that under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the government is committed to full inter-departmental coordination to implement initiatives serving the public interest. Anee assured that welfare-oriented efforts would succeed through the active cooperation of citizens.  

The Minister confirmed that a comprehensive canal excavation drive will begin on March 16, with the Prime Minister inaugurating the initiative at the Sahapara canal in Kaharole upazila, Dinajpur. The programme will then expand nationwide in phases, aiming to restore water flow and drainage capacities critical for irrigation and flood management.  

Anee linked the initiative to the pioneering work of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, recalling that a similar canal excavation programme during his tenure had delivered transformative economic results. He expressed confidence that replicating this success would help Bangladesh achieve self-reliance under current leadership.  

During the inspection, the Minister issued stern warnings to those who have illegally occupied canal lands and urged citizens to stop using waterways as waste disposal sites. He called for public awareness campaigns to ensure the sustainability of restoration efforts and protect the environment.  

END/AJ/RH