Nationwide canal excavation to begin within 180 days: Annie

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie today declared that the government is set to launch a massive nationwide canal excavation initiative within the next 180 days. 

Speaking to journalists following a high-level view-exchange meeting with the district administration, police, and Water Development Board (WDB) officials at the Lakshmipur Circuit House this morning, the Minister emphasized that both the comprehensive implementation plan and the specific excavation dates are currently being finalized to ensure a disciplined rollout of the project.

Annie noted that these development goals are strictly aligned with recent mandates issued by the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during a cabinet meeting. 

He highlighted that the Prime Minister has explicitly directed the cabinet to prioritize the improvement of the national law and order situation, stabilize the prices of essential commodities ahead of the Holy month of Ramadan, and maintain the steady momentum of regional development projects across the country. 

"We are working diligently in accordance with the Prime Minister's instructions to ensure that public services and regional growth remain uninterrupted," he added.

In addition to these national objectives, the Minister addressed specific local grievances, pledging immediate action on critical water resource challenges in the Lakshmipur district. 

He announced that excavation work on the Bhulua River and the Rahmat Khali Canal would be prioritized to improve local drainage and irrigation. 

Furthermore, the Minister stated that ongoing river erosion in the region would be addressed through a phased prevention strategy and reaffirmed his commitment to the development of local road networks as previously promised to the public.

Earlier, upon his arrival at the Circuit House, the Minister was received with floral greetings by District Commissioner (DC) SM Mehedi Hasan and Superintendent of Police (SP) Abu Tareq, followed by a formal Guard of Honour. 

In his capacity as the Joint Secretary General of the BNP, Minister Annie also exchanged views with a cross-section of party leaders and activists, underlining the synergy between administrative governance and political engagement.

The meeting was attended by a host of senior officials and dignitaries, including District Commissioner SM Mehedi Hasan, Superintendent of Police Abu Tareq, and Deputy Director of Local Government and Lakshmipur Municipal Administrator Md Jasim Uddin, reports BSS.