Moulvibazar-4 MP Mujibur begins canal cleanup

Newly elected MP for Moulvibazar-4 (Sreemangal-Kamalganj) constituency, Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, today inaugurated a cleanup drive at the Bhurbhuria canal.

The programme, jointly organised by Sreemangal upazila administration and the municipality, began at 11:00am with waste removal activities from the Ruposhpur area.

During his election campaign, the MP had pledged to free the canal from accumulated waste and foul odour. Following his oath-taking, he initiated the drive to remove garbage from the canal.

Around 30 volunteers initially took part in the effort, alongside with his supporters. Later, more volunteers from different areas joined the campaign, continuing the cleanup work.

Local residents welcomed the initiative.

Biqul Chakrabarty, a senior journalist in the area, said the canal once had navigable water where boats sailed and fishermen caught fish. “Over time, it has turned into a dead canal. There are no fish now, and the water is polluted with garbage.”

He alleged that illegal encroachment and unplanned construction have narrowed parts of the canal.

Abdul Karim, a shopkeeper, said, “If this effort continues regularly and illegal dumping is stopped, the canal can become alive again.”

MP Mujibur said reviving the canal is not merely a cleanup drive but a commitment to restoring the ecological balance of the area.

“I promised before the election that I would remove the stench and waste from this canal. After taking oath, this is my first step toward fulfilling that promise,” he added.

The MP further said that steps will be taken against illegal encroachment and indiscriminate dumping in the canal.