Bangladesh: Preparations Intensify as PM Tarique Rahman to visit Dinajpur to Revive Canal Excavation
The administrative and political landscape of Dinajpur is buzzing with activity as Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman prepares to visit Sahapara in Kaharol Upazila on March 16, 2026.
The visit centers on the inauguration of a significant canal excavation project, a move that signals a return to large-scale rural development initiatives.
To finalize the logistics, a high-level coordination meeting was held Friday afternoon at the "Kanchan" conference room of the Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner’s office.
The session brought together senior government officials and top leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Emphasis on Austerity and Order
The meeting was presided over by the Minister for Social Services and Women & Children Affairs, Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, the Minister emphasized that the Prime Minister’s visit would be characterized by modesty and discipline.
"Every aspect of this program must be decent and orderly," the Minister stated, echoing the Prime Minister's specific directives. "Even the Iftar arrangements will be kept extremely simple, reflecting a commitment to decorous and modest public engagement."
In addition to the canal inauguration, the Prime Minister’s itinerary includes paying respects at family gravesites and attending several local events.
Transforming the Local Landscape
The focus of the visit is the 12.2-kilometer Sahapara Canal re-excavation project. This initiative is expected to be a game-changer for the region’s agriculture by:
Eliminating Waterlogging: Improving drainage for local communities.
Boosting Irrigation: Providing water for approximately 1,200 hectares of farmland.
Environmental Protection: Implementing an extensive tree-planting drive along both banks of the canal.
A Historical Legacy
The re-excavation initiative carries deep historical weight. The nationwide canal excavation program was originally pioneered by former President Ziaur Rahman, who launched the landmark Ulshi–Jadunathpur Canal Project in Jessore in December 1976.
Key Attendees
The meeting saw a large turnout of political and administrative leaders, including:
Farhad Hossain Azad MP, State Minister for Water Resources.
Akhtaruzzaman Mia MP, Whip of the National Parliament.
Local lawmakers including Manjurul Islam (Dinajpur-1), Sadiq Riaz (Dinajpur-2), and Syed Jahangir Alam (Dinajpur-3).
District BNP leaders including President Advocate Mofazzal Hossain Dulal and General Secretary Bakhtiar Ahmed Kochi.
