Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu on Thursday said the government will investigate allegations of irregularities in canal excavation projects and take action if any wrongdoing is found.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the Zia Canal in Kukrul area of Rangpur city, the minister said authorities have received reports of irregularities in some canal excavation works and those complaints would be thoroughly investigated.

He also said the government is planning to bring the maintenance of trees along both sides of canals under a social agreement scheme. Under the initiative, poor local residents, particularly women, will be entrusted with maintaining one to two kilometres of roadside trees. They will receive a share of the benefits from the trees while ensuring their protection and care.

Referring to the government's election pledge, Dulu said the ruling party had promised to excavate 25,000 kilometres of canals within five years. He said the Prime Minister inaugurated the programme soon after assuming office and canal excavation work is currently underway across the country.

Earlier in the day, Dulu attended a meeting of the management committee of Rangpur Medical College Hospital and later inspected its facilities.

During the visit, he announced that 10 additional ICU beds would be introduced at the hospital within the next two months, raising the total number of ICU beds to 20. He also said the entire hospital would be brought under CCTV surveillance to strengthen security.

The minister said all illegal structures inside the hospital premises would be removed and additional manpower would be recruited through outsourcing to improve healthcare services.