Mir Khairul Alam, Satkhira:

To strengthen water security and enhance climate resilience in the southwestern region of Bangladesh, formal inauguration of the Kalinchi Canal Restoration Project was held on Tuesday with the support of Islamic Relief Bangladesh. The canal was inaugurated by Roni Khatun, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Shyamnagar for community use.

Abdullah Al Rifat, Assistant Commissioner (Land); Miraz Hossain Khan, Project Implementation Officer (PIO) of Shyamnagar Upazila; Talha Jamal, Country Director of Islamic Relief Bangladesh; Enamul Haque, Head of Programmes; Panel Chairman of Ramzan Nagar Union Parishad, Union Parishad members and members of the Canal Management Committee among others were also present in the event.

Islamic Relief Bangladesh has contributed Tk 3 million to implement the project, while the local community has arranged around Tk 3 lakh for the construction of a wooden bridge over the canal.

Through the joint efforts of civil society, development agencies, government institutions, and local communities, this initiative has become a model of sustainable, community-led climate adaptation.

UNO Roni Khatun remarked, “This initiative proves that real change is possible through effective partnerships. Community-led planning combined with Islamic Relief’s technical and financial support made this possible.”

“This canal restoration is more than just a development project—it is a symbol of people’s power to adapt and thrive,” said Talha Jamal, Country Director of Islamic Relief Bangladesh.

“With better water access, the community can improve food production, harvest rainwater, and recharge groundwater. This is what sustainable, community-led adaptation looks like- he added”.

The community-led planning process ensured that local needs were genuinely addressed, presenting a unique example of participatory and inclusive development. The re-excavated canal will help store rainwater during the monsoon, improve groundwater recharge, and supply water for irrigation during droughts. As a result, more than 10,000 people in the surrounding areas will be able to increase agricultural production and strengthen food security. Furthermore, the canal will play a crucial role in reducing the negative impacts of climate change by supporting sustainable water management in saline-prone areas. A wooden bridge is also planned to be built over the canal, which will improve communication and connectivity for residents on both sides. This initiative is a strong example of how community-driven planning and collaboration can build long-term solutions to climate challenges.