Water Resources Minister Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Anee has said that the canal excavation program is a “revolution” and a “movement” that was initiated nearly 45 years ago by martyred President Ziaur Rahman. He described it as one of the key electoral commitments of the government, to be implemented through inter-ministerial coordination as part of an ongoing government project.
The minister said a target has been set to excavate a total of 20,000 kilometers of canals over the next five years. Under the government’s 180-day action plan, there are initial plans to make 1,000 kilometers of canal excavation visibly operational.
He made these remarks in an exclusive interview with Bangladesh Pratidin on Thursday. In addition to serving as minister, Annie is also Joint Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Member Secretary of the party’s media cell.
Bangladesh Pratidin: What is the top priority of your ministry, particularly under the 180-day program?
Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Anee: In line with our electoral commitment, we have given the highest priority to the canal excavation program. Alongside this, there will also be a tree plantation drive. The five-year long-term plan for canals under the Ministry of Water Resources cannot be implemented by this ministry alone. Therefore, coordination with the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Disaster Management will be essential. We have already held inter-ministerial meetings in this regard.
Under the 180-day program, we plan to make 1,000 kilometers of canals visibly functional. This will be implemented through coordination as part of an ongoing project. Over the next five years, the target is to excavate a total of 19,000 kilometers of canals.
Bangladesh Pratidin: What are your plans regarding the tree plantation program?
Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Anee: We will plant trees along canal banks, under social forestry projects, at schools and colleges, other educational institutions, and along roadsides. The plan is to plant 50 million trees each year, totaling 250 million trees over five years. Although this falls under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, other ministries will coordinate in its implementation.
Martyred President Ziaur Rahman initiated such a revolutionary movement 40–45 years ago. He wanted to make Bangladesh self-reliant and ensure that every citizen became self-sufficient.
Canal excavation will help remove waterlogging, boost fish production, and stabilize fish prices in the market. Canal water can also be used for irrigation, potentially doubling agricultural output. This will contribute to self-sufficiency and even enable surplus exports. In the past, canal encroachment, waste dumping, and obstruction by influential individuals hampered such efforts. Therefore, successful canal excavation will require eviction of illegal occupiers and strong local support.
Bangladesh Pratidin: Would you comment on other electoral pledges, such as the 31-point agenda or various cards (Family Card, Farmer Card)?
Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Anee: Since I am directly involved with canal excavation and tree plantation, I have focused on those areas. Card-related matters fall under the Ministry of Social Welfare, and they would be better positioned to comment. Similarly, law and order issues can be addressed more appropriately by the relevant minister, Salahuddin Sahib.
Bangladesh Pratidin: What is your position on the law and order situation in your constituency, Lakshmipur? You recently issued a strong warning against extortion.
Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Anee: We are working in line with the expectations of the people and have clearly declared that there will be no more extortion. As a Member of Parliament from Lakshmipur, I am highly vigilant and cautious about this issue. We will face all challenges as we move from a dark era toward the light.
Bangladesh Pratidin: The committee led by the Prime Minister’s adviser Mirza Abbas— is it under your ministry?
Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Anee: Yes, he will oversee it as an adviser. Additionally, to ensure proper water flow in canals through effective waste management, we plan to coordinate with the Ministry of Local Government.
Bangladesh Pratidin: What are the core functions of your ministry, and how would you highlight them?
Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Anee: Our ministry is quite extensive, but for the 180-day period, the most people-centric priority is canal excavation. Alongside this, embankment construction, river dredging, and irrigation projects in haor areas are being carried out continuously.
Another key issue linked to these initiatives is waste management. Without proper waste management and eviction of illegal encroachers, it will not be possible to achieve the full benefits of the canal excavation program.
Bangladesh Pratidin: Do you have any special message for the public regarding canal excavation?
Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Anee: Public cooperation and active participation are crucial for the success of these initiatives. Just as Shaheed Zia mobilized people for canal excavation in the past, we will advance this effort in the modern era by engaging everyone in a social movement. Depending on the need, some work will be done through voluntary labor, while others will follow a tender process. Insha’Allah, with the support of the people, we will be able to fulfill this major responsibility.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
