No misuse of public funds in canal projects: Info Minister

Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan on Monday stressed that canal excavation projects must genuinely improve water flow and irrigation, warning that public funds allocated for such works must not be misused.

He made the remarks while inaugurating the re-excavation of the two-kilometre Kutubpur Swanirbhar Canal in Nalchira Union under Gournadi Upazila of Barishal.

The minister said canal excavation initiatives are intended to benefit agriculture and local communities, not to provide opportunities for contractors or engineers to profit through irregularities.

He emphasised that proper implementation of the project must ensure that canal water reaches surrounding farmland and supports irrigation needs.

“Public money cannot be looted,” Zahir Uddin Swapan said, adding that the success of such projects will be judged by whether water actually flows through the canals and benefits local farmers.

He also encouraged residents of the area to monitor the progress and effectiveness of the work and inform authorities if the project fails to deliver the expected results.

The minister further stated that transparency and accountability are essential in government development initiatives. If projects fail to benefit people as intended, he said citizens should raise their concerns directly with the authorities.

Referring to the country’s political situation, Zahir Uddin Swapan mentioned that the 13th general election in Bangladesh was conducted in a free and fair manner, and said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured victory due to its strong support base among voters.

He also highlighted the role of the media in ensuring government accountability.

According to him, an independent and responsible media can help strengthen transparency and good governance.

The minister further said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman supports maximum freedom for the media, as the government believes responsible journalism can play an important role in holding public institutions accountable.

Senior officials from relevant ministries and government agencies were also present at the programme.