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Agriculture and Home Affairs Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday expressed his satisfaction with Boro paddy harvest in the country this season.
He said: "We can expect good production this year, and the harvest will be completed in time to avert any natural calamity."
The adviser made these remarks during his visit to Arial Beel in Srinagar upazila of Munshiganj, where he also exchanged views with the local farmers.
Arial Beel, located to the south of the capital city between the Padma and Dhaleshwari rivers, is the third largest wetland in Bangladesh, covering an area of 136 square kilometres.
An ideal breeding ground for a large number of fish species, Arial Beel turns into a vast sea during the rainy season.
During the winter to summer period, a vast portion of the wetland turns green with the cultivation of rice, vegetables, and other crops.
Farmers and inhabitants of Arial Beel area staged a massive protest in 2011 against the then Awami League government's decision to build an airport in the third largest wasteland.
Several hundred protesters were arrested, one was killed, and cases were filed against half the population of adjacent villages by the fascist government, according to media reports.
Besides, present during the visit were Industry, Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Agriculture Secretary Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, and others.
The agriculture adviser said Arial Beel is an area rich in natural diversity, and everyone must remain vigilant to protect its biodiversity and environment.
"Necessary measures have been taken for water drainage and crop transportation in Arial Beel and its adjoining areas," he added.
The adviser listened to the farmers' various problems and assured them of resolving those.
When the farmers, who had protested against the construction of an airport in Arial Beel during the fascist regime, requested the withdrawal of cases filed against them, the adviser assured them of taking necessary steps in this regard soon.
The farmers also requested setting up patrol check-posts to stop illegal soil trading, upon which the adviser instructed the authorities concerned to establish check-posts urgently.
During the discussion, Adilur Rahman Khan said the locals would cooperate in protecting the environment of Arial Beel.
"Development projects have been undertaken for Munshiganj, and efforts are being made to ensure proper implementation," he said.
Meanwhile, the government is expecting 22.4 million tonnes of rice to be produced this Boro season. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), 15 per cent harvest has been completed so far across the country. Meanwhile, the rate is above 60 per cent in Haor and other wastelands.
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