Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanom Rita and Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu inspected canal excavation work in Kasadah canal of Shibaloy upazila, Manikganj, on Wednesday afternoon. During the visit, they also participated in a tree-planting program. Minister Dulu stated that rivers in Bangladesh are drying up due to water disparity caused by a neighboring country, adding that the government has undertaken the Teesta and Padma master plans to address the issue.

He emphasized that Bangladesh, being a riverine country, has seen many rivers turn into canals because of neglect and lack of maintenance. The government has a master plan for re-excavation of these waterways. Dulu noted that early rainfall has slowed excavation work, but incomplete projects will be finished in the next dry season.

Addressing corruption concerns, the minister said Bangladesh had been plagued by corruption for 17 years and that while it cannot be eradicated overnight, any specific complaints regarding canal excavation will be investigated and acted upon.