Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon,MP inaugurated the re-excavation work for canal in Bargachhi Union of Paba Upazila. Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, May 9, 2026 (BSS)-  Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, MP, said the canal excavation is not for any personal interest; it is being done entirely for public interest. 
“We are implementing these development projects for the welfare of the people, agricultural development, and with the goal of building a self-reliant Bangladesh,” he added.
 
Lawmaker Milon made these remarks as the chief guest today while inaugurating the re-excavation work of a 1,051-meter canal from Dadpur Chakpara Banyan Tree to Faliar Beel in Bargachhi Union of Paba Upazila. 

He formally inaugurated the work by unveiling a plaque and cutting soil. Later, he also inaugurated the widening, strengthening, and rehabilitation work of 9,100 meters of the Baya-Kashim Bazar-Tanore road in Nowhata Municipality.
 
Highlighting the historical context of the canal excavation program in his speech, MP Milon said, “The late President Ziaur Rahman first introduced this type of canal excavation program with the aim of building a self-reliant Bangladesh.”

Later, the initiative continued during Begum Khaleda Zia’s tenure. But for 17 long years, these initiatives stalled due to various irregularities. Now, the program has been resumed for the public’s interest.
 
He added, “The people have voted and given us responsibility. So, rising above personal interests, we will work for public welfare. If any obstruction arises in development work, it will be resolved together with the local administration and the people.”
 
Outlining the benefits of canal re-excavation, MP Milon further said, “During the monsoon season, water drainage will become easier and the area’s farmland will be protected from waterlogging.”

Again, in the dry season, farmers will get irrigation facilities by using the water stored in the canal. This will increase agricultural production and help achieve self-sufficiency in food. 

He also said, “If proper use of water can be ensured, it will be possible to maintain environmental balance alongside agricultural development. This is an eco-friendly initiative.”
 
The event was presided over by Paba Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Ibnul Abedin. He said both the canal re-excavation and road development work will play an important role in improving the quality of life for local people. 

The canal re-excavation will provide irrigation benefits to farmers and ease water drainage during the monsoon. 

On the other hand, once the road widening and strengthening work is completed, the area’s communication system will become safer and more dynamic. 
He called on all concerned to work responsibly to complete the work on time while maintaining quality.
 
Paba Upazila Engineer Maqbul Hossain said the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) is implementing the re-excavation of the canal from Dadpur Chakpara Banyan Tree to Faliar Beel in Bargachhi Union. 

Conducted under the government’s canal re-excavation program, the project has a contract value of Tk 20 lakh. 
Meanwhile, the contract value for the widening, strengthening, and rehabilitation of the Baya-Kashim Bazar-Tanore road in Nowhata Municipality has been set at about Tk 14 crore. 

According to locals, this important road has long been narrow and hazardous, causing suffering for people and vehicles. Once the development work is completed, the communication system will become easier and safer.
 
Ayen Uddin, an 80-year-old farmer from the Dadpur area, said, “Earlier, this canal had a lot of water. Later, after it got filled up, irrigation became very difficult. Now that the canal is being excavated again, farmers will benefit and farming on the land will be easier.”
 
Also present at the event were Paba Upazila BNP Member Secretary Abdur Razzak, former Mayor of Nowhata Municipality Sheikh Maqbul Hossain, Paba Upazila BNP Joint Convener Sultan Ahmed, along with BNP leaders and activists from its affiliated organizations.