Staff Correspondent

 Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, MP, stated that programs under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief have infused new vitality into the rural economy while driving development at the grassroots level through increased financial circulation.

The Minister made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the District Relief and Rehabilitation Officers (DRRO) and Project Implementation Officers (PIO) Conference-2026, held at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday morning.

Minister Asadul Habib Dulu emphasized that initiatives such as Food for Work (Food-for-Work/Kabikha), Money for Work (Kabita), Test Relief (TR), General Relief (GR), Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF), and canal-excavation projects have accelerated rural development and strengthened local financial flows. He noted that canal re-excavation represents an electoral commitment of the current government aimed at facilitating dry-season irrigation, monsoon drainage, fisheries development, and tree plantation along canal banks. He announced that the Prime Minister will formally inaugurate the "Model Canal" program on November 19, 2026.

Addressing the conference as a special guest, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief M. Iqbal Hossain, MP, urged field officials to maintain vigilance to prevent the wastage of public funds and ensure that Annual Development Programme (ADP) allocations are fully utilized without returning unspent balances.

Presided over by Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, the inaugural ceremony featured a welcome address by Director General of the Department of Disaster Management Rezwanur Rahman.