Nation-building begins with canal revival

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday pledged to transform Bangladesh into a beautiful, prosperous, and politically and economically strong nation with the support of its people, highlighting the government’s nation-building efforts through a nationwide canal excavation and re-excavation programme.

Addressing a public rally near Sahapara Canal in Kaharol Upazila, Dinajpur, during the inauguration of the canal restoration initiative, the Prime Minister also urged citizens to remain vigilant against those seeking to create disorder through false narratives and misleading promises.

“We have begun the work of nation-building through the canal excavation programme.

We aim to create a Bangladesh where people can assert their rights and where the country is strong both economically and politically. This is the Bangladesh we are determined to build,” he said.

He emphasised that the people of Bangladesh are the true owners of the country and that their active support is essential for national development.

“Many of you have relatives abroad who often praise other countries, noting how developed and beautiful they are.

But it is the people of those nations, not outsiders, who have built their countries.

If they could do it, why can’t we? Inshallah, we can achieve it too,” the Prime Minister added.

Recalling the heroic efforts of the people who fought for Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 and the students who ended dictatorship through the 2024 mass uprising, Tarique Rahman highlighted past national achievements.

“It was the people of this country who doubled food production through irrigation and canal projects during the tenure of Martyred Ziaur Rahman.

If they could achieve so much, surely we can build the future Bangladesh,” he said.

The Prime Minister stressed that public support and proper planning are crucial to advancing the country.

“We must remain alert against those who try to create chaos with sweet words that aim to mislead and confuse people,” he added.

He outlined the government’s policy priorities, including supporting farmers, empowering women, improving healthcare and education, and creating employment opportunities in agriculture and industry. “But I cannot do this alone.

I need the people’s support. With your backing, Inshallah, every plan can succeed,” he said.

The rally was jointly organised by the Ministry of Water Resources and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Key speakers included BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Disaster Management Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, and State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain.

Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated the nationwide canal excavation programme by personally cutting the soil with a spade at Sahapara Canal in Kaharol Upazila at around 12:27 pm.

Dressed casually in a polo shirt, jeans, sneakers, and a red-and-green cap bearing the slogan “Bangladesh First”, Tarique Rahman also planted a tree sapling along the canal bank.

The initiative formally covers 54 districts nationwide and follows the earlier Family Card programme, fulfilling another election pledge made by the BNP ahead of the 13th parliamentary election.