Canal Excavation Programme: Bringing Smiles to Farmers’ Faces

Many make promises in politics, but examples of steadfast determination in fulfilling those promises are rare in history. In the current political context of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has emerged as one such rare example of leadership. He not only dreams but also formulates a roadmap to turn those dreams into reality and demonstrates them in practice. As the worthy successor of the martyred president Ziaur Rahman, he has modernised his father’s timeless “canal excavation programme” and turned it once again into a national agenda. Within just one month of forming the government, by implementing one of the major commitments of the election manifesto, he has demonstrated that it was not merely a political slogan, but a pledge for economic revolution.

Since Tarique Rahman’s government assumed power, a fundamental change in the style of governance has been observed over the past month. Alongside reforming the state machinery that had long been oppressed under authoritarianism, he has prioritised the basic needs of the people. Within about a month of forming the government, he successfully launched the long-awaited “Family Card” programme for lower- and middle-income groups. Through this card, millions of families will receive essential goods at fair prices, which will play a significant role in bringing relief and restoring confidence among the general public during this period of rising prices.

Moreover, to ensure transparency and accountability at every level of administration, he has set an unprecedented example by doing away with “VVIP culture.” Over the past month, his firm directives on anti-corruption drives, restoring law and order, and easing public mobility have enhanced the government’s image both domestically and internationally. Yet, amid all these initiatives, the most remarkable feature of his development vision has been the nationwide “canal excavation programme.”

When martyred president Ziaur Rahman called for the canal excavation programme in 1977, it was not merely an initiative for improving water management; it was the sowing of the seeds of a self-reliant economy. Decades later, his son Tarique Rahman has taken up that torch. In his election manifesto, he pledged that river and canal excavation would be a key priority of his government to boost agricultural production and maintain environmental balance.

To understand why the canal excavation programme is essential today, we must consider climate change and the agricultural system. Agriculture in Bangladesh still largely depends on rainfall. Floods in the monsoon and water scarcity during drought—this dual crisis can only be addressed by restoring the navigability of rivers and canals. Tarique Rahman’s initiative will not only revive dead canals but also bring millions of acres of farmland under irrigation, ensuring food security for the nation.

To successfully implement this mega project, it will not be sufficient to rely solely on government agencies. The main strength of this programme must be “public participation” through voluntary labour. The following steps can be highly effective in ensuring its success:

1. Ensuring direct public participation: As people once took part in canal excavation through voluntary labour during Zia’s time, that tradition must be revived. Through local administration and political workers, ordinary people should be motivated to see these canals as their own assets. When people are directly involved, the chances of corruption decrease and the quality of work improves. 

2. Scientific and sustainable planning: Random digging will not suffice. Modern engineering knowledge must be used to analyse water flow and geographical gradients for proper canal design. Alongside dredging technology, simple local methods of silt removal should be adopted to maintain navigability for years. 

3. Integrated water resource management: Along with canal excavation, activities like fish farming, social forestry, and duck rearing should be incorporated. Planned plantations of fruit-bearing and forest trees along canal banks will help prevent lightning damage and soil erosion, while also creating alternative sources of income in the rural economy. 

4. Supervision and Transparency: The biggest concern in large projects is wastage and corruption. Since Tarique Rahman’s government emphasises transparency, a digital monitoring system should be established for each canal. The current condition and post-excavation outcomes should be made publicly accessible through dashboards. 

5. De-encroachment: The first step in restoring canals is freeing them from illegal encroachment. A zero-tolerance policy must be adopted against those who have occupied canals by building houses or factories, regardless of political affiliation. 

Tarique Rahman is not just talking about digging canals; he is essentially laying the foundation for a “blue economy.” If inland waterways become functional, transportation costs will decrease, directly impacting market prices. Additionally, this programme will reduce pressure on groundwater, ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.

Successfully launching a complex initiative like the Family Card programme within the first month of forming the government, along with taking bold steps like canal excavation, demonstrates that Tarique Rahman’s government does not believe in unnecessary delays. He understands that development is not limited to mega projects or flyovers; true development means bringing smiles to people’s faces and preserving the fertility of rural land.

From Zia’s “19-point programme” to today’s “vision”—Tarique Rahman’s 31-point agenda has proven through his leadership that he is the most worthy successor of his father. The canal excavation programme is not just a pathway for water flow; it is a pathway to national prosperity. If Tarique Rahman continues implementing his electoral promises as he has over the past month, Bangladesh will soon emerge as a self-respecting and economically strong nation.

The patriotic people are now ready to respond to Tarique Rahman’s call. The history of nation-building with spades in hand, which began under martyred president Zia, will find its ultimate success under the leadership of his worthy son, Tarique Rahman—this is the expectation of the entire nation today.

The writer is a journalist, columnist, researcher, and political analyst. He can be reached at [email protected]