PM Launches Re-Excavation Of Historic Patali Canal

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday inaugurated the re-excavation of the historic Patali Canal in Pmkhali Union under Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila. The canal is closely linked with the memory of former President Ziaur Rahman.

After arriving in Cox’s Bazar from Dhaka, the Prime Minister reached Pmkhali and formally launched the re-excavation programme at around 10:50am.

The canal was originally excavated in November 1979, when then President Ziaur Rahman visited Pmkhali and initiated the work by cutting soil with a spade. During that visit, he also planted a date palm tree on the canal bank, which still stands today as a historic reminder of the event.

At the inauguration, Tarique Rahman symbolically launched the re-excavation by cutting earth with a spade. He also planted an almond sapling beside the canal.

Several ministers, state ministers, lawmakers and senior officials were present at the programme, including the Home Minister, Water Resources Minister, and other representatives from Cox’s Bazar and surrounding regions.

Thousands of people from Patali village and nearby areas gathered along the canal bank from early morning, braving heavy rain to witness the event and greet the Prime Minister.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister and his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman arrived in Cox’s Bazar by air around 9:50am.

Following the inauguration, he briefly addressed the crowd from a temporary stage beside the canal and exchanged greetings with local residents, waving to those gathered at the site.