PM Tarique Rahman Warns of Strict Action Against River and Canal Encroachers

The Prime Minister's instructions were formally conveyed by the State Minister for Water Resources, Farhad Hossain Azad, following a high-level meeting at the Secretariat on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The Prime Minister explicitly directed that no individual or entity should be allowed to occupy or fill any water body, ensuring that the malpractices of the past are not repeated under the current administration.

In accordance with the Prime Minister's directive, a powerful 'Monitoring Cell' will be established to maintain the flow of rivers and canals and prevent illegal filling. This cell will be comprised of District Commissioners (DCs) and high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Water Resources, tasked with conducting regular surveillance and taking immediate legal action against any encroachment attempts. State Minister Azad highlighted that the government intends to involve local communities directly in the process of reclaiming occupied water bodies, fostering a sense of public ownership over national resources.

The State Minister further drew a historical parallel, stating that just as Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman once made Bangladesh self-sufficient in food through a massive canal-digging program, the current government led by Tarique Rahman is committed to achieving the same goal. By excavating canals and water bodies across the country to boost agricultural production, the administration aims to revolutionize the national irrigation system and strengthen the rural economy. This master plan is viewed as a cornerstone of the government's strategy to ensure long-term food security and environmental sustainability for Bangladesh.