State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad visits canal excavation site in Kaharol to boost irrigation capacity. Photo : BSS

DINAJPUR, Feb 26, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad today said as part of the government's river, canal and waterbody re-excavation programme, an initiative has been taken to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country.

He made the remarks while briefing journalists after visiting an approximately 12-kilometre-long canal in the Balarampur Shahapara area of Kaharol upazila here. 

Forhad said once the canal in Kaharol upazila is excavated, about 6,000 bighas of land will come under improved irrigation facility. As a result, agricultural output will increase and farmers will benefit directly, he said.

He said in the past there had been a lack of coordination among different ministries regarding river and canal excavation. 

Recently, a coordination meeting involving multiple ministries was held, and a decision was taken to form a team to work in an integrated manner, the state minister said, adding that plans have also been taken to adopt necessary measures, including tree plantation along canal banks, to prevent the re-excavated canals from silting up again. 

He said the government continues the initiative in line with the programme undertaken by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman through canal excavation. 

He expressed hope that the initiative would play an important role in addressing the impacts of climate change and meeting water demand for agriculture.

Dinajpur-1 lawmaker Md. Manjurul Islam, Executive Engineer of Dinajpur Water Development Board Faruk Ahmed, Kaharol Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mokleda Khatun Mim, Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police Md. Moniruzzaman, Kaharol Upazila BNP leader and former Upazila Chairman Mamunur Rashid were present, among others.