Dadna Canal Revived Through Mintu’s Son

The long-neglected Dadna Canal in Daganbhunja has finally been restored, bringing back the clear, flowing waters that had disappeared under decades of pollution and illegal encroachments. For over twenty years, the canal was choked with mounds of waste, preventing water from running freely. On top of that, nearly a third of the canal had been unlawfully occupied by local interests. Earlier this year, the upazila and municipal authorities managed to free the canal from encroachment, though the accumulated rubbish remained.

Ahead of the elections, Tazwar M. Awal, son of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintu, initiated the cleanup project. He approached the Footstep organisation to carry out the restoration. The team began work promptly, but the local administration had to suspend it temporarily due to election regulations. At that time, Tazwar Awal pledged that, regardless of the election outcome, the canal would be fully cleaned and restored to a free-flowing state after the polls. True to his word, immediately following the election, he requested Footstep to resume work. Within five days of rigorous labour, the once stagnant and polluted canal was rejuvenated, and a fresh flow of water returned.

Key Details of Dadna Canal Restoration

Local residents and business owners have welcomed the revival. Azmul Haque Sumon, a resident and trader, said, “During monsoon, waterlogging was a serious problem in Daganbhunja municipality. The blocked canal caused prolonged drainage delays, trapping residents and merchants, particularly along Fazilerghat Road. The restored canal has freed us from this ordeal, and we hope it will never again be filled with waste or illegally occupied.”

Jasim Uddin Liton, General Secretary of the Daganbhunja Market Welfare Association, added, “For years, our primary demand was to free Dadna Canal from encroachment and pollution. Even after authorities removed illegal occupants, the canal remained lifeless. Tazwar Awal’s initiative has revived it. We urge the authorities to maintain the canal and eventually develop it into a fully restored waterway with a scenic lakeside and a walkway.”

Tazwar M. Awal himself reflected, “During a visit to Daganbhunja Market, I noticed the canal filled with waste. I immediately contacted Footstep in Dhaka, and they began work. Although election rules temporarily halted progress, I had promised the community that restoration would follow, and we have delivered. Insha’Allah, these efforts will continue in the future.”

The revival of Dadna Canal not only restores vital drainage but also enhances the environmental and aesthetic quality of the area, ensuring a sustainable resource for the residents of Daganbhunja.