PM to launch 'Model Canal' programme on Nov 19

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu made the announcement on Saturday while addressing the opening session of the DRRO (District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer) and PIO (Project Implementation Officer) Conference 2026 at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital.

The minister said canal excavation is one of the government’s electoral commitments and the programme is expected to bring significant changes to rural life.

“Canal excavation will support irrigation during the dry season and water drainage during the monsoon. It will also create opportunities for fish cultivation in canals and tree plantation along canal banks.''

Dulu said the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry has helped inject momentum into the rural economy through various programmes, including food-for-work (KABIKHA), cash-for-work (KABITA), Test Relief (TR), General Relief (GR), Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) and canal excavation projects.

These initiatives have contributed to development at the grassroots level while also increasing the flow of funds into rural communities, he added.

Disaster Management and Relief State Minister M Iqbal Hossain urged officials to ensure that no funds allocated under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) are returned unused and that public money is not wasted.

Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam chaired the event, while Director General of the Department of Disaster Management Rezwanur Rahman delivered the welcome address.

DRROs and PIOs from across the country attended the conference.