Jatiya Sangsad Whip Rokibul Islam addressed as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the excavation of Tiyabunia canal under Gutudiaunion in Dumuria Upazila. Photo: BSS

KHULNA, March 17, 2026 (BSS) – Jatiya Sangsad Whip Rokibul Islam today said all syndicates involved in drugs, corruption, terrorism, extortion and land grabbing must be stopped.

He said this while addressing as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the excavation of Tiyabunia canal under Gutudiaunion in Dumuria Upazila.

The whip said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has started implementing his pledges after assuming office following the February 12 election. 

He said honorariums have already been introduced for imams, muezzins, khadems, priests and other religious functionaries, while canal excavation programmes have also been launched.

He said agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000 have been waived for farmers, adding that agriculture must be protected to safeguard the country. He also stressed the need to free canals from illegal grabbers to remove waterlogging in the area.

Rokibul Islam directed the authorities concerned to evict illegal brick kilns and said the government has adopted a “zero tolerance” policy against corruption, terrorism and drugs so that none can go unpunished.

He called for working in unity, irrespective of party affiliation, to serve the people, saying this is the duty of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

Divisional Commissioner Md Mokhter Ahmed presided over the function. 

Among others, Deputy Commissioner A S M Jamshed Khondkar, Range DIG Md Rezaul Haque, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, District Council Administrator SM Monirul Hasan Bappi, Additional Chief Engineer of BWDB (South-West Zone) Dr MdAbul Bashar, Executive Engineer Ujjal Kumar Sen and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sabita Sarkar spoke.

The 1.700-km canal excavation project is estimated to cost Tk 38.75 lakh and is expected to be completed by April 2027.