State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam today (11 April) has alleged that no project was undertaken for the development of ‘Zia Sarani canal’ over the past 19 years simply because it was named after former president Ziaur Rahman.
Addressing a public gathering at the site, he made these remarks while inspecting the cleaning and recovery work of the Zia Sarani canal under the Dhaka South City Corporation.
Referring to the neglect by the previous government, the state minister said, “Because the canal bears the name ‘Zia’, no project was undertaken for the development of it over the past 19 years by the previous government. This is very unfortunate.”
He added, “We do not wish to prioritise names anymore; instead, we prioritise what will reduce the suffering of ordinary people.”
Recalling the prime minister’s commitment, he said, “During the last election, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pledged that if entrusted with state power, the Zia Sarani canal would be restored and beautified.”
“Already, a budget of Tk300 crore has been allocated to connect this canal with the Buriganga River. The main project work will commence from July,” he added.
Issuing a warning against encroachers, Alam said, “Encroached canals will be recovered according to CS records and maps. We are preparing a list of illegal occupiers, and strict action will be taken against them in accordance with the law.”
Appealing to residents, he said, “Those of us living in this area have, knowingly or unknowingly, contributed to this condition by dumping waste into the canal. The rubbish did not arrive on its own. Please dispose of waste in the city corporation bins. Repeated cleaning by the government results in a waste of public funds.”
He also urged local leaders to form citizen committees to monitor the area.
During the inspection, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, Local Government Division Secretary Shahidul Hasan, Dhaka Metropolitan South BNP Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin, along with senior officials and local party leaders, were present.
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