Relief and Disaster Management Minister Asadul Habib Dulu announced that Bangladesh will excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals over the next five years. He stated that a ministry meeting decided to implement 7,000 kilometers of canal re-excavation, with 1,500 kilometers scheduled for this year. Except for one district, the work will be carried out through local administrations across 64 districts.

Speaking in Shahrasthi, Chandpur, on Friday, the minister said the new canal excavation program includes additional components such as tree planting along canal banks and fish cultivation in the canals. He emphasized that the government aims to ensure transparency in all projects and that accountability is being strengthened under the current administration.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve water management and local livelihoods through environmentally sustainable measures, according to the minister’s remarks at the event.