Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan today said the government has undertaken a plan to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country.

"The government will excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals nationwide. The formal inauguration of this nationwide programme will be held soon. As part of the initiative, canal re-excavation activities have already begun in Barishal," he said while inaugurating the re-excavation of the Kapalatali canal at Kandapasha under Gournadi upazila around 11:30am.

The re-excavation programme is being implemented under the Barishal, Bhola, Jhalakathi and Pirojpur District Irrigation Development Project to improve water management and boost agricultural productivity in the region, the minister said.

Alongside canal restoration, a tree plantation drive has also been launched as part of the government's afforestation efforts, he said, adding that the activities would be further intensified.

Local administration officials and other concerned persons were present at the inauguration ceremony.

Highlighting the government's commitment to democratic governance, Swapan said, "We will not establish a partisan government or a partisan state, we want to build a government of the people."

"If elected, we will remain in office; if not, we will step aside. But we will institutionalise the electoral system," he continued.

He also underscored the importance of ensuring a suitable environment for civil administration and police so that they can work effectively in service of the people.