(BSS) - Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee today inaugurated the re-excavation work of Hosendi canal under the Employment Generation Programme for the Poorest (EGPP) of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief in Gazaria upazila of Munshiganj district.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the minister said many canals have become dysfunctional over the years due to lack of excavation during the previous government`s tenure.

He added that several waterways have gradually silted up, while some rivers have effectively turned into canals and many water bodies have been illegally occupied due to inadequate maintenance.

He said canal re-excavation initiatives have helped strengthen public engagement with development activities, adding that renewed momentum has been created under the leadership of Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.

He further said the canal excavation programme is being continued as part of ongoing development efforts.

The minister also said the government has taken a plan to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals within the next five years.

He expressed hope that successful implementation of the initiative would contribute to building a self-reliant and prosperous "New Bangladesh".

He added that canal re-excavation activities are generating employment opportunities, supporting the rural economy and contributing to environmental improvement.

Among others, Member of Parliament Md. Kamruzzaman Ratan, Superintendent of Police Md. Menhazul Alam, Acting Deputy Commissioner Mousumi Mahbub, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Muhammad Musabberul Islam, Gazaria Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Mahmudul Hasan and District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Muhammad Mubinur Rahman were present on the occasion.