Three advisers of the interim government inaugurated the excavation work of a canal in Mirpur 13 on Sunday after walking along a red carpet laid out on their path, which sparked widespread discussion on social media.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser for environment, forest, and climate change as well as water resources; Adilur Rahman Khan, adviser for housing and public works as well as industries; and Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, adviser for local government, rural development and cooperatives as well as youth and sports, arrived at the Baunia Canal in the morning to mark the commencement of excavation work.
This project includes the excavation of six canals under the jurisdiction of Dhaka north and south city corporations.
An on-site inspection revealed that an inaugural ceremony was arranged on a road adjacent to the Baunia Canal near the Ruposhi Pro-Active Village residential area in Mirpur.
Following the inauguration, the three advisers, along with other officials, proceeded to the canal bank.
A floating excavator had been placed in the canal beforehand.
An improvised pathway was built to access the excavator, and a red carpet was laid over it.
The advisers and officials walked along this red carpet to board the floating excavator.
Once onboard, they activated the machine to formally begin the excavation work.
The excavator removed and deposited soil from the canal multiple times as part of the inauguration.
After launching the excavation, the advisers and other attendees disembarked and spoke to journalists.
DNCC explanation
Journalists inquired about the reason for laying a red carpet on the path to the floating excavator.
In response, DNCC authorities clarified that the excavator was placed on a temporary platform rather than a permanent pontoon.
Additionally, due to the steep and muddy access path and the slippery floor of the excavator, a red carpet-like mat was used to ensure the safe movement of guests and to make the passage clearly visible, it said.
DNCC noted with caution that some media reports suggest guests walked on a red carpet to descend into the canal and board the floating excavator.
However, DNCC emphasized that this was not an official red carpet but a safety measure taken solely for secure access.
“There was no unnecessary expenditure or any intent of excessive honour involved. Given the importance of safety when boarding a floating excavator, DNCC took the necessary precautions.”
DNCC said it always prioritizes transparency, safety, and public interest in its work and will continue to do so in the future.
