Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anny announced that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate a nationwide canal excavation program from Dinajpur on March 16. The minister made the statement after inspecting a canal at Balrampur Saha Para in Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur. According to him, the initiative marks the beginning of a countrywide effort to excavate rivers, canals, and water bodies.

He said that the program fulfills a key election pledge by Prime Minister Rahman, who had promised to excavate 20,000 kilometers of rivers, canals, and water bodies within five years of forming the government. The Dinajpur site was chosen as the first location for the inauguration. The Water Resources Ministry has planned a 12.20-kilometer canal excavation at Balrampur Saha Para, which will be launched simultaneously across the country.

The minister also stated that after the nationwide canal excavation, 250 million trees will be planted. Several local officials, including the Member of Parliament for Dinajpur-1 and senior police and administrative officers, were present during the inspection.