Kamrul Hasan : Many rivers across Bangladesh are facing an existential crisis due to inequitable water-sharing by upstream countries, and the Teesta River has turned into a desert-like landscape in many areas, said Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Asadul Habib Dulu. He stated that the government is implementing a comprehensive master plan to restore the country’s rivers and canals, aiming to enhance water conservation, boost agricultural production, and strengthen the rural economy through large-scale canal re-excavation.

He made these remarks while speaking to journalists after inspecting canal excavation work from the bank of the Ichamati River to Konabari in the Amdala-Bhaualkandi area of Shibalaya Upazila in Manikganj on Wednesday (June 24). “The rivers of Bangladesh are the lifeline of this riverine country.

However, due to years of neglect, encroachment, and unplanned management, many rivers have been reduced to canals,” the Relief Adviser said.
“At the same time, the impact of water disparity by neighboring countries has caused many of our rivers to dry up. The current condition of the Teesta is deeply alarming. In many places, it has taken on the appearance of a desert,” he added.

Dulu said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had pledged in his election manifesto to re-excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals across the country if entrusted with the people’s mandate. Work to fulfill that commitment has already begun. Canal excavation projects are currently underway in different regions under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and will be expanded further in the coming years.

Recalling past successes, he said, “Late President Ziaur Rahman launched an extensive canal excavation program to strengthen the rural economy. As a result, agricultural production increased significantly, Bangladesh achieved food self-sufficiency, and even gained the capacity to export surplus produce. Drawing from that successful experience, we are once again strengthening water management through canal-based initiatives.”

He noted that the re-excavated canals would help retain water during the dry season and facilitate rapid drainage during the monsoon. This would contribute to the development of agriculture, fisheries, irrigation systems, and rural transportation networks while also reducing waterlogging and local environmental problems.

Responding to a question regarding possible irregularities in canal excavation projects, the Adviser said, “Many development initiatives were hindered over the past 17 years due to various irregularities and corruption. It is not possible to solve all problems overnight. However, if any specific allegations of corruption or irregularities are found in canal excavation projects, strict action will be taken against those responsible.”

He further revealed that the government has already initiated steps to implement the Teesta and Padma master plans. In addition, a nationwide program to plant 250 million trees over the next five years has been undertaken to maintain ecological balance and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Among those present during the inspection were Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Afroz Khanam Rita, Member of Parliament for Manikganj-1 S.A. Jinnah Kabir, Deputy Commissioner Najmun Ara Sultana, Executive Engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) Manikganj S.M. Lutfor Rahman, Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Abdullah Al Masum, along with government officials and leaders and activists of the BNP at district and upazila levels.

Later, the Relief Adviser also inspected canal excavation activities in Taluknagar of Daulatpur Upazila and Gazikhali Canal in Saturia Upazila.