Sylhet, Mar 16 (V7N) – Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on Monday inaugurated the re-excavation of Champatoli Canal in Osmaninagar upazila of Sylhet, saying the project will expand irrigation and boost agricultural production in the area.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony, the minister said Sylhet is largely an agricultural region but farmers often face difficulties due to lack of irrigation in the dry season and waterlogging in some croplands.

He said re-excavation of the canal will help solve these problems and bring around 1,500 bighas of land under cultivation.

Muktadir added that seedlings of various species of trees will also be planted along both banks of the canal, which will contribute to environmental protection alongside improving agricultural productivity.

“Once the re-excavation is completed, people in the region will begin to benefit from increased crop production, flood control and tree plantation from the first year,” he said.

Responding to a question from journalists about price differences between wholesale and retail markets, the minister said some variation is normal but the government will ensure it does not reach an unacceptable level.

He said a fact-finding committee will be formed after Eid al-Fitr to identify unusual gaps in the prices of essential and agricultural products.

According to him, the committee will include traders, professionals and administrative officials and will hold public hearings with consumers and traders.

Addressing concerns about the country’s trade deficit, the minister said many countries around the world experience similar situations.

“Since independence, Bangladesh has generally imported more than it exports. This is a normal economic reality,” he said.

Among others present at the programme were Tahsina Rushdir Luna, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury, District Council Administrator Abul Kaher Chowdhury Shamim, Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam, Superintendent of Police Dr Chowdhury Jaber Sadek and Metropolitan BNP General Secretary Imdad Hossain Chowdhury along with officials from various government departments, political leaders and members of the media.

END/RM/RH