Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie Speaking to journalists following a high-level view-exchange meeting with the district administration, police and WDB officials at the Lakshmipur Circuit House on friday. Photo: BSS

LAKSHMIPUR, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin 
Chowdhury Annie today declared that the government is set to launch a massive 
nationwide canal excavation initiative within the next 180 days. 

Speaking to journalists following a high-level view-exchange meeting with the 
district administration, police, and Water Development Board (WDB) officials 
at the Lakshmipur Circuit House this morning, the Minister emphasized that 
both the comprehensive implementation plan and the specific excavation dates 
are currently being finalized to ensure a disciplined rollout of the project.

Annie noted that these development goals are strictly aligned with recent 
mandates issued by the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during a cabinet 
meeting. 

He highlighted that the Prime Minister has explicitly directed the cabinet to 
prioritize the improvement of the national law and order situation, stabilize 
the prices of essential commodities ahead of the Holy month of Ramadan, and 
maintain the steady momentum of regional development projects across the 
country. 

"We are working diligently in accordance with the Prime Minister's 
instructions to ensure that public services and regional growth remain 
uninterrupted," he added.

In addition to these national objectives, the Minister addressed specific 
local grievances, pledging immediate action on critical water resource 
challenges in the Lakshmipur district. 

He announced that excavation work on the Bhulua River and the Rahmat Khali 
Canal would be prioritized to improve local drainage and irrigation. 

Furthermore, the Minister stated that ongoing river erosion in the region 
would be addressed through a phased prevention strategy and reaffirmed his 
commitment to the development of local road networks as previously promised 
to the public.

Earlier, upon his arrival at the Circuit House, the Minister was received 
with floral greetings by District Commissioner (DC) SM Mehedi Hasan and 
Superintendent of Police (SP) Abu Tareq, followed by a formal Guard of 
Honour. 

In his capacity as the Joint Secretary General of the BNP, Minister Annie 
also exchanged views with a cross-section of party leaders and activists, 
underlining the synergy between administrative governance and political 
engagement.

The meeting was attended by a host of senior officials and dignitaries, 
including District Commissioner SM Mehedi Hasan, Superintendent of Police Abu 
Tareq, and Deputy Director of Local Government and Lakshmipur Municipal 
Administrator Md Jasim Uddin.