Serious allegations of irregularities and corruption have surfaced in the re-excavation of seven canals across Feni district. The projects, located in Sadar, Daganbhuiyan, Phulgazi, Parshuram, and Sonagazi upazilas, were supposed to employ over 2,778 workers but are reportedly being executed using only a few excavators. This has deprived local laborers of employment opportunities and undermined the objectives of the government’s employment generation program. The total cost of the seven projects is about Tk 11.5 crore, but the required depth and width of the canals have not been maintained.

According to project sources, the initiative was launched in the 2025–26 fiscal year as part of the prime minister’s election pledge to boost agricultural production and reduce waterlogging. Twelve canals in six upazilas were proposed, of which seven were approved, covering a total length of 49 kilometers. Reports indicate that fake worker accounts and master rolls were created to embezzle project funds.

Feni Deputy Commissioner Monira Haque stated that both wage and non-wage work must comply with project conditions and that she would consult the relevant UNOs for details.