Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir. File Photo

SYLHET, March 16, 2026 (BSS) – Commerce, Industries and Textiles & Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir today said the re-excavation of the Champatali canal will bring approximately 1,500 bighas of land under new cultivation by addressing irrigation shortages during the dry season.

“The canal would serve as a reservoir for excess water during the monsoon to help control floods. Additionally, various species of tree saplings will be planted along both banks of the canal,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the canal re-excavation programme in Osmaninagar upazila, Sylhet, said a press release.

Muktadir emphasized that the local population would begin to experience the benefits of increased crop production, flood management, and afforestation within the first year of the project’s completion.

Responding to reporters' queries regarding the price disparity between retail and wholesale markets, Muktadir acknowledged that some variation is normal but stressed that the government remains vigilant to ensure these gaps do not become unacceptable. 

He announced that a Fact-Finding Committee—comprising businessmen, professionals, and administrative officials—will be formed after Eid to identify unreasonable price differences for essential and agricultural commodities. 

This committee will conduct public hearings in the presence of both consumers and traders, he added.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by local MP Tahsina Rushdi Luna, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury, District Council Administrator Abul Kaher Chowdhury Shamim, Deputy Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam and Superintendent of Police Dr. Chowdhury Jaber Sadeq.