Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday inaugurated the re-excavation work of Dharar Khal, a dying canal, in Bailor Union of Trishal upazila in Mymensingh.
After arriving in Trishal by road from Dhaka at around 2:20 pm amid rain, the Prime Minister formally opened the programme by unveiling a plaque at the site.
Following the unveiling ceremony, he went down to the canal bank and cut soil with a spade to mark the beginning of the re-excavation work.
He later planted a palm tree beside the canal.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister for Jute and Textiles Shariful Alam, local lawmaker Mahbubur Rahman Liton and Mymensingh Zilla Parishad Administrator Syed Emran Saleh Prince were present at the programme.
The 3.1-kilometre canal was originally excavated by former President Ziaur Rahman on September 6, 1979. Over the years, the canal became almost dead.
As part of the government’s canal restoration programme, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, son of late President Ziaur Rahman, inaugurated the re-excavation of the canal.
After planting a sapling and inspecting the excavation site, the Prime Minister went onto a stage set up beside the canal to address local residents.
Party leaders, activists and supporters welcomed him with loud applause.
Women villagers, marginal farmers and children were also seen expressing excitement after seeing the Prime Minister from close distance and greeted him with repeated applause.