Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu said the nationwide canal excavation programme begun across the country today was pioneered by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

"The government took the initiative to re-excavate rivers, canals and water bodies aimed at improving irrigation, boosting agricultural production and strengthening water management. We will dig our own soil to bring water. We will cultivate that land and achieve food self-sufficiency," he said
 
The Land Minister made these remarks on Monday afternoon while inaugurating the Damdama 
canal excavation programme in Godagari upazila of the district.
 
The minister said, "From 1972 to 1975, Bangladesh faced severe famine. There was no food; people were destitute, with skeletal bodies. Yet the population was around seven crore at that time."

"When Shaheed Zia came to power, he inspired the people. Through canal excavation across the country, he transformed single-crop land into triple-crop land. In this way, by 1977-78, he had brought angladesh close to food self-sufficiency," he added.
 
At the time, the minister also recalled his student days in Rajshahi when Ziaur Rahman came to dig canals.
 
He commented that the canal excavation had inspired the people and brought significant changes to the area.
 
During the inauguration of the canal excavation programme, District Magistrate and Deputy ommissioner Afia Akhtar, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Naimul Hasan, officials from various government departments and local residents were present.