A canal cleaning campaign in Wazirpur, Barishal, drew attention after Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Ali Suja personally joined volunteers in removing waste from a long-neglected waterway. At one point, he became stuck in the mud and had to be pulled out by fellow volunteers. Undeterred, he returned to the cleanup effort.
The campaign was organised on Friday (November 6) along an approximately two-kilometre canal beside the Wazirpur Upazila Parishad. The initiative was undertaken by the upazila administration with support from volunteer organisation BD Clean Barishal.
More than 100 volunteers, including the UNO, local young men and women, and members of the youth community, took part in the programme.
The five-hour campaign began at 9:00 am and continued until 2:00 pm. Volunteers removed water hyacinths, plastic bottles, polythene and other waste accumulated in the canal over many years.
According to local sources, the canal had gradually turned into a dumping ground. Plastic waste and water hyacinths had obstructed water flow, while the accumulated garbage created an unpleasant smell in surrounding areas. The waterway had remained in a neglected condition for more than a decade.
The UNO’s direct involvement became one of the most talked-about aspects of the campaign. Wearing a BD Clean T-shirt, he entered the canal and worked alongside the volunteers. When he became stuck in the mud, volunteers helped pull him out. He subsequently resumed the cleanup work.
A video showing the UNO participating in the campaign has circulated on social media, drawing positive reactions. Many have described his involvement as an example of public responsibility, community engagement and leadership through action.
Jahid Irfan, divisional coordinator of BD Clean, said the initiative was taken following a call from Wazirpur UNO Md. Ali Suja to restore the long-neglected canal.
He said the participation of more than 100 volunteers, particularly local young people, along with support from the upazila administration, made the campaign possible. The UNO’s decision to work shoulder to shoulder with volunteers further encouraged participants.
UNO Md. Ali Suja said the canal’s natural water flow had been completely obstructed by plastic bottles, polythene and other waste discarded by nearby residents.
He said many community problems could be addressed through collective voluntary efforts rather than waiting for government funding. The canal cleaning campaign was an example of such an initiative.
He also emphasised the importance of engaging young people in constructive social activities. According to him, providing opportunities for young people to participate in environmental, social and humanitarian initiatives can help keep them away from drug addiction, misuse of mobile phones and other negative activities.
He expressed hope that young people would continue contributing to positive changes in society through such community-driven initiatives.
