The government has launched an ambitious plan to re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals nationwide to improve water flow, irrigation and agricultural output, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said on Sunday.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Kapalatali Canal re-excavation at Kandapasha in Gournadi Upazila around 11:30am, the minister said the nationwide programme would be formally launched soon, although work has already begun in Barishal.
He said the initiative is being implemented under the Barishal, Bhola, Jhalakathi and Pirojpur District Irrigation Development Project, aimed at strengthening water management systems and increasing farm productivity in the region.
In addition to restoring canals, the government has also initiated a tree plantation campaign as part of a broader afforestation drive. Swapan said these environmental efforts would be expanded further in the coming months.
Local administrative officials and representatives of the implementing agencies were present at the ceremony.
Addressing broader governance issues, the minister said the government is committed to building a people-centric administration rather than a partisan one.
“We do not want a party-based state; we want a state that belongs to the people,” he said, adding that the electoral system would be institutionalised to ensure fairness and continuity.
He also stressed the need to create a supportive working environment for civil administration and law enforcement agencies so they can effectively serve citizens.
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