State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad today spoke at the Char Dholharachandra village under Shailkupa in Jhenaidah. Photo: BSS

JHENAIDAH, April 4, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad today said there is no alternative to excavating and restoring canals to protect the country and ensure the survival of its farmers.

"Bangladesh can only be protected and farmers can only survive if canals are excavated and restored, ensuring adequate water supply for irrigation. From 1977 to 1980, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman excavated canals, making the country safe from droughts and enabling food exports," he said.

"That canal excavation program has started again," he said while delivering the special guest speech at the inauguration of a canal excavation program at Char Dholharachandra village under Shailkupa upazila here this afternoon.

The state minister said, "Our Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had pledged in the election manifesto that if elected, rivers, canals and water bodies across the country would be revived. During the previous fascist regime, we saw that old canals no longer remained as canals. Many were leased out, while others were allowed to be used for cultivation or other purposes."

Stressing on the protection of ecology, he said, "Due to deforestation, there have been changes in biodiversity in groundwater level. We, during election, pledged to plant 250 million trees across the country to restore lost tree cover."

"We will plant trees alongside the canals where excavation takes place," he added.

He also noted that canal excavation process will not rely solely on dredgers, but also involve both male and female workers, creating employment opportunities.

Warning zero tolerance against the irregularities in the process, the state minister said, "We will be strict in the excavation and restoration of water bodies. There will be no compromise in this regard. We seek cooperation from the people."

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman joined the event as the chief guest.

Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Masud, Zila Parishad Administrator Abdul Majid, Superintendent of Police Mahfuz Afzal and officials of different levels of the district and upazila, as well as BNP leaders, were present at the inauguration event, among others.