Photo: BSS

BARISHAL, Aug 11, 2026 (BSS) - Wazirpur upazila administration in Barishal has returned Tk 60,82,403 in unspent funds from a canal re-excavation project to the government treasury after completing the work, earning praise from local residents and political leaders.

A total of Tk 2,57,52,775 was allocated for re-excavating a canal stretching from Dasherhat Bazar through Guthia Baitul Aman Jame Mosque Complex and Panchagram Bazar to Guthia Bazar in Wazirpur upazila.

The project began in April 2024 and was completed on June 30 this year. After completion, Tk 60,82,403 of the allocated amount remained unspent and was deposited into the government treasury, according to the upazila administration.

The canal had long suffered from reduced navigability, disrupting normal water flow and causing waterlogging during the monsoon and difficulties for agricultural activities during the dry season.

The re-excavation is expected to restore water flow and benefit agriculture, irrigation and the local environment.

Kamrul, a resident of Guthia Union, said the re-excavation had restored water movement and would facilitate irrigation for farmers, helping boost crop production.

Barishal District Krishak Dal President Shafiul Alam Shafru welcomed the return of the unspent funds, saying it was positive that government money had not been wasted.

"However, it would have been even better if the unspent money had been used for social welfare," he said.

Leaders and activists of the Wazirpur upazila unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) also praised the initiative, saying government funds are public money and should be used properly.

Upazila Project Implementation Officer Md Mosharraf Hossain said the work had been completed in accordance with government instructions and the project design.

"Maximum importance was given to restoring the canal's navigability. We hope local farmers and residents will benefit from the project for a long time," he said.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Ali Suja said the government undertook the project to reduce waterlogging, restore normal water flow and revive the ecological balance of the historically important canal, which had suffered from prolonged neglect.

He said the allocated funds were taxpayers' money and ensuring their proper use was a moral responsibility of government officials.

"After completing the project properly, the surplus funds were returned to the government treasury. The government can now use this money for other development activities," he said.

The UNO said every amount saved from government projects should be returned to the state treasury to prevent wastage of public money, ensure transparency and maintain financial discipline.

He said the upazila administration remained committed to accountable use of government funds and deposited the remaining amount into the treasury in accordance with the rules.

He also said an additional three kilometres of the canal had been excavated beyond the originally planned work.

"Funds allocated for one government project cannot be spent on another development project. Whatever allocation the government provides for development must be spent on the designated work," he added.

The canal re-excavation project was implemented with the objectives of restoring water flow, reducing waterlogging, increasing agricultural production and protecting the ecological balance of the area.