The government will excavate and re-excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals across Bangladesh over the next five years in a major push to revitalize the rural economy, announced Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee.
Speaking on Thursday at a fish fry release ceremony at the Rahmatkhali Canal in Laxmipur also the minister emphasized that rural infrastructure development remains a top priority. He also highlighted parallel national initiatives with a five-year target to plant 250 million trees and ongoing efforts to strengthen the economy through expanded fish farming.
"We must all work together to prioritize rural infrastructure. Only then will our rural economy truly thrive" Anee stated.
The event, organized by the Laxmipur Sadar Upazila Fisheries Office, featured the distribution of 250 kg of fish fry across 33 local institutions. The minister personally released 35 kg native fry of Rui, Katla, Mrigal and Kalibaush into the Rahmatkhali Canal.
Local fisheries officials explained that releasing fry into open water bodies is crucial for increasing indigenous fish production, preserving aquatic biodiversity, and ensuring a steady fish supply for the public. They also used the platform to urge citizens to stop illegal fishing and avoid catching fish during vital breeding seasons.
The ceremony was attended by several local dignitaries including District Commissioner SM Mehedi Hasan, Superintendent of Police Abu Tarek and local political leaders.
