Dhaka: Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu on Thursday announced that the government will investigate allegations of irregularities in canal excavation projects and take action if any wrongdoing is found. Speaking to reporters after visiting the Zia Canal in the Kukrul area of Rangpur city, the minister highlighted that authorities have received reports of irregularities in some canal excavation works, which will be thoroughly investigated.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister also discussed a new initiative aimed at maintaining trees along both sides of the canals. The plan involves bringing the maintenance of these trees under a social agreement scheme, where poor local residents, particularly women, will be entrusted with maintaining one to two kilometers of roadside trees. They will receive a share of the benefits from the trees while ensuring their protection and care.

Referring to the government’s election pledge, Dulu noted that the ruling party had promised to excavate 25,000 kilometers of canals within five years. He mentioned that the Prime Minister inaugurated the program soon after assuming office, and canal excavation work is currently underway across the country.

Earlier in the day, Minister Dulu attended a meeting of the management committee of Rangpur Medical College Hospital and subsequently inspected its facilities. During his visit, he announced that 10 additional ICU beds would be introduced at the hospital within the next two months, raising the total number of ICU beds to 20. He also stated that the entire hospital would be brought under CCTV surveillance to strengthen security.

The minister further mentioned that all illegal structures inside the hospital premises would be removed, and additional manpower would be recruited through outsourcing to improve healthcare services.