Photo : BSS

GAIBANDHA, March 18, 2026 (BSS) -State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad today said that excavating canals, rivers and water reservoirs would help restore the country’s natural biodiversity.

He noted that former President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of the country’s independence, had introduced nationwide canal excavation programs aimed at protecting biodiversity while also ensuring food security. However, the fallen Sheikh Hasina-led government failed to maintain these water bodies, leading to a loss of navigability and ecological balance.

Highlighting the current initiative, the minister said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, son of Ziaur Rahman, officially launched a countrywide canal excavation campaign in Dinajpur on March 16. As part of this program, re-excavation work on the Singzani Canal has begun in Gobindaganj upazila of Gaibandha.

He made these remarks while inaugurating the re-excavation work of the Singzani Canal as the chief guest.

The minister also directed the concerned officials to carry out the excavation work efficiently and within the stipulated time to achieve its intended goals.

Local lawmaker Shameem Kaisar Lingkon and Gaibandha district BNP president Professor Dr. Moynul Hasan Sadik were present during the inauguration.