Dhaka, March 16 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman here today inaugurated the nationwide programme to excavate and re-excavate rivers, canals and water bodies aimed at improving irrigation, boosting agricultural production and strengthening water management.

The premier opened the excavation of 53 canals across the country by initiating the excavation of the 12-kilometre Sahapara Canal in the Balrampur area in Kaharole upazila of the district.

He formally launched the initiative by cutting soil with a spade at 12:27 pm. Later, he planted a sapling of a tree on the bank of the Sahapara Canal, BSS reports.

LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Social Welfare Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury...