Why the red carpet for a canal excavation? Dhaka city authorities explain

"Mayors used to inaugurate projects with much fanfare, but never with a red carpet," a journalist tells Advisor Rizwana

A temporary pavement made of iron sheets was set up over a floating excavator in a roadside canal. A red carpet was laid over it, extending up to the road.

On Sunday, three interim government advisors walked down the carpeted path to board the excavator at Bawnia Canal near Ruposhi Pro-Active City in Mirpur-13, Dhaka.

The excavator then scooped out soil from the canal several times, marking the launch of Dhaka’s canal restoration project.

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Housing and Public Works Advisor Adilur Rahman Khan, and Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain jointly inaugurated the restoration of six canals under Dhaka North and South City Corporations.

They later spoke to journalists.

A journalist told Rizwana: "Mayors have inaugurated projects with grandeur before, but never with a red carpet. Today, advisors descended into the canal on one!"

"I did not notice that. Did you?" was her response.

When asked about the reason for the red carpet, DNCC’s Public Relations Officer Mokbul Hossain told bdnews24.com: "DNCC will provide an explanation."

Later, Dhaka North City Corporation issued a press note clarifying the matter.

According to the statement signed by Mokbul Hossain, after delivering their speeches at the inauguration site, guests boarded the floating excavator.

"The excavator was placed on an unstable surface, not a permanent pontoon. The boarding ramp was steep and muddy, while the excavator’s floor was slippery. To ensure safe movement and make the walkway visible, a red mat resembling a carpet was used."

The city corporation insisted that "this was not a ceremonial red carpet, but a safety measure. There was no extravagance or undue reverence involved. Given the safety risks, DNCC took necessary precautions”.

"NOT ALL PROBLEMS CAN BE SOLVED OVERNIGHT"

At the event, Advisor Shojib Bhuyain said the interim government is working on "reforms and accountability”.

"It is impossible to solve major problems in such a short time or fix the entire country overnight. But we want to leave behind models to show that things can be done differently."

The government has initiated efforts to restore Dhaka’s canals and water bodies to improve environmental, economic, and social conditions.

Various ministries—including local government, environment, water resources, and housing—are collaborating to develop a 'Blue Network' in the capital.

Six canals were officially brought under the restoration project on Sunday. Shojib Bhuiyan noted that this initiative will help reduce waterlogging in Dhaka.

"If we had preserved our canals earlier, Dhaka would look very different today. The interim government cannot fix everything immediately, but we are laying out plans. The 'Dhaka North Model' will serve as a blueprint for the city’s future."

Advisor Rizwana pointed out that past development projects lacked coordination.

"Now, ministries are working together. Completing this project will take time, but we are making a start. First, the excavation. Then the restoration. There will be obstacles, and we must overcome them collectively."

The event was also attended by DNCC Administrator Md Mahmudul Hasan, Local Government Secretary Md Nizam Uddin, Water Resources Secretary Nazmul Ahsan, Environment Secretary Farhina Ahmed, Housing Secretary Md Hamidur Rahman Khan, RAJUK Chairman Md Siddiqur Rahman Sarkar, and Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury.