LAXMIPUR, Feb 20: Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee has announced that a nationwide canal excavation programme will be launched soon as part of a major initiative to address water-logging and improve drainage systems across the country.
The minister said key projects have already been planned to resolve long-standing water-logging problems in Laxmipur, including the excavation of the Bhuluya River and the re-excavation of the Rahmatkhali canal under a broader development plan for the greater Noakhali region.
"If we can implement these projects, we will be able to free Laxmipur from the prolonged suffering caused by water-logging," he said, adding that feasibility studies are also underway to address riverbank erosion along the Meghna River and Rahmatkhali Canal.
He further said canal excavation would be carried out nationwide under a 180-day programme, with Laxmipur included among the priority areas. "We are moving forward according to plan, and the canal excavation programme will begin very soon," he said.
The minister made the remarks on Friday morning while attending a meeting and exchange of views with officials from the district administration and the Bangladesh Water Development Board at the Laxmipur Circuit House.
Anee arrived in his home district on Thursday night for a three-day visit. Earlier in the day, he was given a guard of honour before holding discussions with local officials regarding water management and development priorities.
Describing Laxmipur as a long-neglected district, he said efforts are underway to rebuild and modernise the area. "People have long demanded better roads, proper drainage, and an end to water-logging. We are committed to fulfilling those expectations and building a better Laxmipur," he said.
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner SM Mehedi Hasan, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Abu Tarek, and other local officials and political leaders welcomed the minister at the circuit house.
