Published: 12:14 AM, 10 May 2026
Canal re-excavation programme to spark new revolution: Anee
Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has said the government has begun work to build a new Bangladesh by transforming the canal excavation programme initiated by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman into a modern and scientific movement.
"The main objective of the programme, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is to strengthen the rural economy, reduce pressure on underground water resources and tackle the impacts of climate change while making the country self-reliant in agriculture and fisheries production," he said.
Anee made the remarks in an exclusive interview with the state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) at his Secretariat office.
During the interview, he discussed in detail the progress of the government's 180-day master plan, the multidimensional benefits of canal re-excavation and the targets for the next five years.
Anee said canal re-excavation is not merely about digging soil but a multidimensional economic and environmental revolution.
"Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman introduced this programme with great foresight, and at that time, it sparked a rural revolution. But due to long neglect, many canals became silted up while others were occupied illegally. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has brought the programme back to the forefront," he said.
He added that the initiative is creating employment opportunities for rural workers while expanding irrigation facilities for agriculture.
"This is not only water management; it is also a strong foundation for building a new Bangladesh," he said.
Regarding the ministry's 180-day plan, the minister said specific targets had been set from the very first day of assuming office.
"We have calculated specific targets on how many kilometres of canals can be re-excavated within 180 days. The Prime Minister has already inaugurated the programme in four districts and will visit Chandpur on May 16 to launch another phase of this large-scale initiative," he said.
He added that lawmakers and ministers across the country have turned the programme into a nationwide movement in their respective constituencies.
"Our target is to excavate or re-excavate at least 20,000 kilometres of canals over the next five years," he added.
Describing the economic impact of the project, Anee said the programme has wide-ranging benefits.
"When local people participate manually in the work, money reaches the hands of rural labourers. When they spend that money in local markets, rural trade and commerce expand. Fish farming will be carried out in the canals, while fruit-bearing and medicinal trees will be planted along the banks," he said.
