Govt to excavate 20k km canal in 5-yr: Afroza

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita has announced an ambitious government plan to excavate and re-excavate approximately 20,000 kilometers of canals across the country over the next five years.

She stated that this initiative, led by Prime Minister Tareque Rahman, aims to improve water management, boost agriculture, and reduce the risks of flooding in vulnerable regions.

The minister made these remarks on Saturday while inaugurating the foundation work of a 366-meter-long bridge over the Dhaleshwari River in Rajoir.

The bridge is expected to enhance connectivity and facilitate smoother transportation for local residents, contributing to regional economic development.

Afroza Rita emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in development projects. She urged party leaders and grassroots activists to actively monitor ongoing construction and infrastructure work to ensure that quality standards are maintained and public resources are properly utilized.

The minister also highlighted that public participation and oversight are crucial to the success of such large-scale initiatives.

According to her, coordinated efforts between government bodies and local stakeholders will help deliver sustainable and long-lasting benefits to communities.

Earlier in the day, she attended a views-exchange meeting with government officials at Saturia Upazila, where various local development issues and priorities were discussed.

The meeting focused on strengthening administrative coordination and accelerating the implementation of key projects in the area.