State Minister for planning Zonayed Saki says development must not harm nature while launching canal restoration in Brahmanbaria, warning against illegal encroachment of rivers, canals and wetlands.
Development in Bangladesh must not come at the expense of the environment, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Saki said, warning that illegal occupation of rivers, canals and wetlands for personal or group interests will not be tolerated.
He made the remarks while inaugurating the re-excavation of the Boalia canal in Bijoynagar upazila in eastern Bangladesh on Sunday.
“Our goal is to build an economy driven by production and investment. There is no alternative to investment if we want to create jobs for one crore people,” the state minister said. “Illegal encroachment of rivers and wetlands will not be tolerated. Sustainable development and environmental conservation must go hand in hand.”
The Boalia canal, about six kilometres long and connected to the Titas River at both ends, is undergoing restoration to improve water flow and irrigation for local farmers. Around four kilometres of the canal were excavated earlier and the current project covers the remaining two kilometres along with an additional 1.80 kilometres of a branch canal.
The Tk 31 lakh (approximately $36,000) project is being implemented by the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation as part of broader efforts to revive natural waterways and support local agriculture.
Saki added that authorities have identified around 400 canals across Brahmanbaria district for restoration, highlighting the government’s focus on improving water management, supporting agricultural production and strengthening resilience against seasonal flooding in this climate-vulnerable region.
The inauguration was attended by lawmakers Khaled Hossain Mahbub Shyamal (Brahmanbaria-3) and MA Hannan (Brahmanbaria-1), Superintendent of Police Shah Md. Abdur Rouf and Sirajul Islam, BNP district general secretary and district council administrator, along with local residents and farmers expected to benefit from the canal restoration.
Officials said the re-excavation will improve irrigation, reduce waterlogging and support agricultural productivity, contributing to sustainable development while protecting the district’s natural ecosystems.
