Govt actively implementing pre-election pledges, says Agri Minister

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid has reaffirmed that the government is actively working to implement the commitments made to the people before the general election.

Speaking to reporters in Lalmai Upazila of Cumilla, the minister highlighted that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) emphasises translating promises into tangible development projects rather than mere rhetoric.

Amin Ur Rashid, who also oversees the Ministry of Food and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, addressed a programme marking the inauguration of re-excavation work on a canal branch of the Dakatiya River in Dosharicho mouza.

He explained that the government had pledged a series of initiatives to support vulnerable groups and boost the agricultural sector, and these projects have already been set in motion.

Among these, the ‘Family Card’ programme to support poor and destitute women has started implementation, while preparations for the ‘Farmer Card’, aimed at providing financial support to farmers, are nearly complete.

The minister noted that the rollout of the Farmer Card is expected around Pahela Baisakh.

“Around 70 per cent of Bangladesh’s population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture. Supporting farmers strengthens the nation’s overall economy,” he said.

He also emphasised the government’s ongoing nationwide canal excavation and re-excavation programme, following the model introduced by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

“Repairing and reopening canals will improve irrigation, reduce waterlogging, enhance fish production, and create employment opportunities for local communities,” Rashid said.

The minister urged local residents to actively participate in canal maintenance and conservation, highlighting its importance for sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Cumilla-10 lawmaker Md Mobaswer Alam Bhuiyan and Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) Chairman Md Azizul Islam also attended the event, which was presided over by Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan.