Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday inaugurated the re-excavation of the historic Ulashi “Zia Khal” in Sharsha upazila, laid the foundation stone of a 500-bed Jashore Medical College Hospital and addressed a large public rally, marking a development-focused daylong visit to the southwestern district.
The prime minister formally launched the program at 11:55am by cutting soil with a spade, symbolically reviving a canal originally excavated nearly five decades ago by his father, former president Ziaur Rahman.
Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister Forhad Hossain Azad, State Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, and State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam were present at the event.
Following the canal program, the prime minister returned to Jessore town and laid the foundation stone of a long-awaited 500-bed medical college hospital, aimed at strengthening healthcare services in the district.
He also visited the historic Institute Public Library before attending a rally at the Eidgah Maidan.
Addressing the rally, he underscored his government’s commitment to balanced regional development, highlighting ongoing investments in infrastructure, agriculture and public services.
He described Jessore as a “potential regional hub” and said such projects would accelerate economic activity and improve living standards.
The canal, stretching approximately four kilometres from Ulashi to Jadunathpur, was first excavated on November 1,1976, under the initiative of Ziaur Rahman.
Over time, it fell into disuse and is now being re-excavated by the Bangladesh Water Development Board.
Earlier in the day, the prime minister arrived at the venue around 11:42am, unveiled a plaque marking the project, and offered prayers.
The program drew large crowds from Sharsha and surrounding areas, with residents gathering along the canal banks from early morning.
Many carried flowers, including roses and tuberose, and welcomed the prime minister with chants and slogans, reflecting a festive and expectant atmosphere.
Local residents expressed optimism that the re-excavation would help alleviate waterlogging, improve irrigation, and boost agricultural productivity in the area.
Among those present was Shahadat Hossain, a labourer who had taken part in the original excavation in 1976.
Seated near the plaque unveiling site since morning, he recalled the historic moment when Ziaur Rahman personally initiated the work.
“In 1976, Ziaur Rahman came here by helicopter. He got down at this canal site and started the excavation work. At that time I was cutting soil. He took the spade from me and cut soil with his own hands and lifted it onto my head,” Shahadat said.
“Today, after 50 years, his son, our Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has come to re-excavate this canal. I feel very happy to witness this. It seems Allah has kept me alive to see this day,” he added, visibly emotional.
Nearly five decades ago, farmers in the Ulashi area faced severe waterlogging, with vast tracts of land remaining submerged for much of the year.
The canal was originally excavated to ease that suffering and restore agricultural viability.
After years of neglect, the latest initiative aims to revive the canal and restore its role in water management and farming.
Earlier, on March 16, the prime minister, who is also the chairman of the ruling BNP, launched a nationwide canal excavation and re-excavation program across 54 districts.
The program was inaugurated through the re-excavation of the Sahapara canal in Balarampur, Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur.
The re-excavation of the Ulashi canal is part of a broader government effort to rehabilitate water infrastructure across the country, with authorities aiming to improve irrigation, reduce waterlogging, and support agricultural growth in vulnerable regions.