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The government is re-excavating the country’s canals to prevent waterlogging, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced. He made this remark on Saturday (May 2) at a gathering of dignitaries in Sylhet city.
The Prime Minister stated that excessive extraction of groundwater has become a major problem for the country. The situation is gradually becoming dire due to the over-extraction of water for agriculture and various other purposes. He warned that effective measures must be taken immediately to tackle this crisis, the most crucial of which is canal re-excavation.
He further added that vast areas of the Haor region are being damaged due to excessive rainfall. Unplanned construction of new roads could also harm crops. At the same time, he announced plans to swiftly operationalize the 250-bed hospital in Sylhet and upgrade it to 1,200 beds.
Calling for awareness among city dwellers, the Prime Minister urged an end to the indiscriminate dumping of plastic, polythene, and other waste. He emphasized that if children in educational institutions are made aware of this from an early age, they will not only become conscious themselves but also make their families aware. He noted that implementing this initiative not just in Sylhet but across all city corporation areas of the country could lead to environmental improvement.
During the gathering, he assured the reopening of closed factories to boost employment and strengthen the economy. He also mentioned plans for the rapid establishment of an IT park in Sylhet.
Earlier, the Prime Minister’s aircraft landed at Sylhet Osmani International Airport at 9:58 AM. This marks his first visit to Sylhet since assuming office. He is accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, on this trip. Departing from the airport in a special bus towards the city, he began his visit by offering prayers at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA).
Later, he participated in various development activities, including the inauguration of the city’s waterlogging alleviation project. In the afternoon, the Prime Minister is scheduled to attend the inauguration ceremony of ‘Notun Kuri Sports-2026’ at Sylhet District Stadium. Following this, he will participate in a party meeting at Sylhet District Shilpakala Academy. Tarique Rahman is expected to depart Sylhet for Dhaka in the evening after completing the day’s agenda.
Meanwhile, strict security measures were heightened in the airport area in anticipation of the Prime Minister’s arrival. Local administration, law enforcement agencies, and various organizations are working in coordination.
Prior to this, the Prime Minister arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by road from his Gulshan residence in the capital. He then departed for Sylhet by air at 9:20 AM.