TBM Report
Minister for Water Resources, Md. Shahabuddin Chowdhury Annie, MP, has issued a stern warning against any form of corruption or irregularities in the construction and maintenance of crop protection embankments in the Haor regions. During his visit to the flood protection projects in Dharmapasha and Madhyanagar Upazilas of Sunamganj on Friday, the Minister declared that the government has adopted a ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy to ensure the security of the farmers’ yields.
Addressing the media, the Minister emphasized that the Haor region is a vital contributor to Bangladesh’s quest for food self-sufficiency. He noted that the annual restoration of these submersible embankments has significantly increased agricultural production in the region. “We are prioritizing the Haor areas to ensure that every penny spent on these projects is utilized transparently and for the welfare of the farmers,” said Annie Chowdhury. He further instructed the authorities to maintain strict accountability to keep these projects free from graft.
In addition to embankment repairs, the Minister highlighted the government’s broader vision for agricultural development. He mentioned that extensive programs are underway across the country to re-excavate canals, ponds, and water bodies to restore river navigability and eliminate waterlogging. These initiatives aim to facilitate modern irrigation systems even during the dry season, allowing for multi-crop harvesting. High-ranking officials, including Sunamganj-3 MP Kaysar Ahmed, Sunamganj-1 MP Kamruzzaman Kamrul, and Water Resources Secretary Dr. A.K.M. Shahabuddin, accompanied the Minister during the inspection.
