Chittagong, May 02 (V7N) – In a rare and commendable initiative, the Chittagong City unit of the BNP has begun voluntary canal excavation to address the long-standing issue of waterlogging in the city. The party has pledged to fund the project entirely from its own resources, with an estimated cost of over one crore taka over the next month.

The excavation work for Nazir Canal and Kalir Chha Canal in Ward No. 10, Uttar Kattoli was inaugurated on Friday (May 2) by BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury.

Speaking at the event, Khasru sharply criticized past canal excavation efforts under previous governments, stating, "Thousands of crores were spent in the name of waterlogging projects, yet no benefit was seen due to rampant corruption and irregularities. The work was never actually done."

He emphasized that proper development of Chittagong’s canals could greatly improve the city’s economy, environment, and residents’ quality of life. Khasru also urged authorities to implement walkways, beautification, and tourism projects around the canals to maximize public benefit.

Chittagong City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain welcomed BNP's initiative and highlighted the city’s ongoing efforts. He noted that the City Corporation has requested Tk 398 crore from the government to excavate 21 canals and 1,600 kilometers of drains outside the jurisdiction of the CDA (Chittagong Development Authority).

Mayor Shahadat also issued a public warning against littering, saying, "Throwing garbage into canals will not be tolerated. Offenders could face fines or even jail time if necessary."

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