Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor A.J.M. Zahid Hossain said that the canal excavation initiative, emphasized by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman before the election, will help maintain environmental balance and increase agricultural production. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon after inspecting a canal at Balrampur Sahapara in Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur district.

The minister noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will visit Faridpur area in Dinajpur on March 16 to pay respects at the graves of his grandparents and aunt. He also highlighted that northern Bangladesh has fewer trees compared to other regions, with only about 8 to 9 percent of land covered by greenery, whereas at least 25 percent coverage is needed for a balanced environment.

As part of the government’s ongoing green revolution efforts, the minister announced that the formal inauguration of the canal excavation program will take place on March 16 in Kaharol, marking the beginning of this environmental and agricultural development initiative.