Desk Report:
Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie said that if the canal digging program started during the time of martyred President Ziaur Rahman had continued, the rivers and canals would have been saved from encroachment and pollution. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government is also working to prevent encroachment and pollution along with canal digging.
The minister said this at a view-exchange meeting with Bangladesh Environment Movement (BAPA) leaders in his office at the Ministry of Water Resources at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday (July 27, 2026). State Minister Farhad Hossain Azad was present at the time.
The minister said that within a short time of taking charge, the Padma Barrage Project has been approved to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people of the southwestern part of the country and the wildlife. The fate of the people of the northern part of the country is linked to the Teesta. So that the people can get maximum benefits from Teesta, tests and experiments are underway by domestic and foreign experts.
State Minister Azad said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has asked to give importance to protecting the environment, nature and biodiversity before taking up any kind of development project. He said that before taking up any development project, importance is being given to protecting the environment and biodiversity by holding several inter-ministerial meetings.
Bangladesh Environment Movement (BAPA) leaders requested the Ministry of Water Resources to take more effective steps to protect rivers, canals, bilges and water bodies and save them from encroachment and pollution. The two ministers urged the BAPA leaders to stand by the government in protecting rivers, canals, bilges and water bodies by providing accurate information and necessary advice.
Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources Dr. A. K. M. Shahabuddin was present at the time. Among the BAPA leaders were President Nur Mohammad Talukder, Vice President Khushi Kabir, Dr. Shahidul Islam and General Secretary Alamgir Kabir were present.
