Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the implementation of canal excavation projects will have a massive positive impact on the country’s agriculture, environment, and rural economy.
 
“According to the election manifesto, there is a plan to excavate approximately 20,000 kilometers of canals across the country. Such a massive programme cannot be completed in a single day; it will be carried out in phases," he said.
 
The minister made the remarks while inaugurating Bamansundar canal re-excavation project in Mirsarai Upazila of Chattogram.
 
The project is part of a nationwide initiative by the Prime Minister to excavate and re-excavate rivers, canals, and water bodies, implemented by the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC).
 
Amir Khasru stated that a target has been set to complete 1,200 kilometers of canal excavation within the next six months. 
 
Regarding the local impact of the Bamansundar canal project, the Minister noted that its completion would bring nearly 15,000 hectares of land under cultivation, leading to an additional food production of approximately five thousand metric tons.
 
Addressing the challenge of illegal encroachment of canals and water bodies, the Minister said stern action would e taken against the encroachers. The process of demarcating canal boundaries has already begun, he said. 
 
He asserted that no individual or group would be allowed to occupy government-owned canals and that excavation would proceed strictly according to the identified boundaries. 

He likened the importance of these projects to social safety net programs like agriculture and family cards, aimed at improving the overall standard of living.
 
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Maliyaish Multipurpose High School field, was presided over by Chattogram Deputy Commissioner.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today said the implementation of canal excavation projects will have a massive positive impact on the country's agriculture, environment and rural economy.

"According to the election manifesto, there is a plan to excavate approximately 20,000 kilometers of canals across the country. Such a massive programme cannot be completed in a single day; it will be carried out in phases," he said.

The minister made the remarks while inaugurating the Bamansundar canal re-excavation project in Mirsarai upazila of Chattogram.

The project is part of a nationwide initiative by the Prime Minister to excavate and re-excavate rivers, canals and water bodies, implemented by the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC).

Under the project design, BADC will re-excavate a three-kilometre portion of the Bamansundar canal from Alirpool to Banatali. Officials said about 15,000 hectares of farmland will be brought under an irrigation network, significantly benefiting local farmers and boosting agricultural production.

Amir Khasru said a target has been set to complete 1,200 kilometres of canal excavation within the next six months as part of the government's broader plan.

Regarding the local impact of the Bamansundar canal project, he noted that its completion would bring nearly 15,000 hectares of land under cultivation, leading to an additional food production capacity of around 5,000 metric tons.

The minister acknowledged that financing such a large-scale project during the current economic transition is a challenge but assured that adequate budgetary allocation would be ensured considering its importance and impact.

"In this context, all canal and drainage re-excavation projects will be meticulously planned with proper pre-budget analysis and costing so that the programme can be implemented successfully," he said.

Addressing the issue of illegal encroachment, the minister said stern action would be taken against those occupying canals and water bodies. He added that the process of demarcating canal boundaries has already begun.

"No individual or group will be allowed to occupy government-owned canals and excavation will proceed strictly according to the identified boundaries," he said.

He said people in remote areas, particularly marginal farmers, would benefit greatly from the prioritized canal and drainage re-excavation programmes undertaken by the government of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

"Apart from sectors like agriculture and fishing and bringing huge positive impact on living pattern of the people, the project would play a significant role in mitigating impacts of climate change," the finance minister said.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Zahidul Islam Meah.

After inaugurating the re-excavation work, Amir Khasru also spoke as the chief guest at a meeting held at the Maliyaish High School ground.

State Minister for Land and CHT Affairs Barrister Mir Md Helal Uddin MP and local lawmaker Md Nurul Amin MP attended the meeting as special guests.

Speaking at the function, Helal Uddin said that although only 30 days have passed since the BNP-led government assumed office, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has already started implementing key pre-election commitments.

Senior administrative officials, including Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr Md Ziauddin, were also present at the event.