Md. Khairuzzaman Sajib, Special Correspondent, Dhaka

The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Dumuria in Khulna, Sabita Sarker, has returned Tk 1 crore 36 lakh 31 thousand 19 in unspent funds from two canal re-excavation projects to the government treasury.

According to local sources, various groups, including political activists, elected representatives and people from different professions, extended their cooperation in the re-excavation work under the government’s canal excavation and re-excavation programme.

Sources said that due to heavy rainfall and soil-related difficulties, 5.1 kilometres of the seven-kilometre Krishnanagar-Nimtala Canal in Raghunathpur Union could be excavated within the stipulated timeframe.

Dumuria Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO) Md. Arif Hossain said the government had allocated Tk 3 crore 9 lakh 6 thousand 769 for re-excavating two canals.

One project covered the canal from Krishnanagar-Nimtala in Raghunathpur Union through Bil Dakatia to Ashi Feet on the southern side of Rangpur Saratala. The other covered the Dolbhanga Canal in Sahas Union through Kathbunia Boro Doyane towards the Telikhali Gate and the Bhadra River.

As part of the projects, around 5,000 fruit-bearing and medicinal saplings of different species were also planted.

After covering necessary expenses, including workers’ wages, equipment and transportation costs, Tk 1 crore 36 lakh 31 thousand 19 was saved from the project allocation. The amount was deposited into the government treasury in accordance with financial regulations.

Dumuria UNO Sabita Sarker said, “Every taka allocated to a government project belongs to the people. We paid bills only for the work actually completed and deposited the remaining Tk 1 crore 36 lakh 31 thousand 19 into the government treasury in accordance with the rules.”