Sylhet Correspondent: Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Saturday said the BNP government is committed to supporting farmers and advancing the agricultural sector.

He made the remarks while addressing a public rally after inaugurating the re-excavation of the Basia River in Kandigaon Union under Sylhet Sadar Upazila.

“The majority of people in our country live in rural areas and are involved in agriculture. BNP has always worked for their development,” he said.

Rahman stated that the government has begun implementing its pre-election commitments, including a nationwide canal excavation programme. “We promised to start canal re-excavation across the country, and we have already begun. Today we inaugurated the Basia canal project. After completion, 50,000 trees will be planted along both banks, including fruit-bearing trees, creating an environmentally friendly area for local residents,” he added.

He said the project would directly benefit around 80,000 farmers and indirectly help at least 150,000 people. It is expected to increase food grain production by an additional 7,000 metric tonnes annually. Similar projects have already been launched in 60 districts, he added.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the introduction of family cards and agricultural cards. “Farmers will receive fertiliser, pesticides, seeds, and agricultural loans through these cards. So far, we have waived agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000 for 1.2 million farmers,” he said.

He further said allowances for imams, muezzins, and other religious leaders have been introduced. Emphasizing industrial growth, Rahman said he has instructed Industries and Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir to resolve issues in closed factories and support the establishment of new industries to reduce unemployment.

“We are also in talks with new countries to expand overseas employment opportunities. Soon, more workers will be able to go abroad, boosting remittance inflow and improving family livelihoods,” he added.

The rally was presided over by Sylhet District BNP President and Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury. Among others present were Commerce and Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Members of Parliament Tahsina Rushdir Luna (Sylhet-2), Abdul Malik (Sylhet-3), Emran Ahmed Chowdhury (Sylhet-6), and reserved seat MP Shammi Akhter.

Local BNP leaders, including Acting President of Sylhet Metropolitan BNP Rezaul Hasan Qayes Lodi, also attended the event.

Earlier, the Prime Minister formally inaugurated the project by cutting soil with a spade.