Dhaka: In a bold step towards modernization and accountability, the interim government has taken significant strides to revolutionize the land management system over the past year. By embracing full digitization, the government is committed to delivering hassle-free, corruption-free, and transparent land services that align with the spirit of the July Uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the interim government has introduced a series of reforms to transform the land management system, making it more transparent and people-friendly. ASM Saleh Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Land Ministry, emphasized that the digitization effort aims to end harassment and corruption in land services. The Ministry of Land has now created a Land Single Gateway, allowing access to various digital services on a single platform.
The Ministry has set an ambitious goal for 2026, where citizens will not need to visit land offices unless absolutely necessary, with arrangements being made for land-related information to be accessible using National Identification Numbers (NID). The introduction of compensation payments for land acquisition through iBUS marks a significant step in this direction.
The Ministry has begun preparing accurate land records utilizing modern technology, and initiatives are underway to make land management both digital and user-friendly. By employing GPS and geo-fencing technologies to resolve land complexities, landowners can access comprehensive information about their properties on Google Earth, with plans for mapping land ownership through surveys.
In addition to these technological advancements, revenue collection, deregistration processes, and case statuses will be integrated into the system. Landowners can now access current status, ownership details, and digital land maps through a single gateway, opened to the public on a trial basis since December 1.
The digital transformation allows land services to be accessed online without needing physical visits to land offices. Landowners can register their land online with their mobile numbers, obtain parcels or khatian from home, and pay land development tax online. These services are available from anywhere globally, through the Bhumiseba portal or the “e-Khatian” mobile app.
The establishment of a Citizen Land Service Center in the capital’s Tejgaon area and the ability to pay land development tax online have further streamlined the process. Citizens can receive QR code-rich submissions immediately upon tax payment, facilitating a seamless transition from manual methods.
The Ministry’s efforts have significantly increased revenue collection, with daily deposits to the government treasury from land service fees reaching Tk 10-12. To ensure a harassment-free experience, the Ministry has launched a reform program, emphasizing integrity and efficiency among its employees.
Enhanced surveillance and accountability measures ensure that no citizen’s application remains pending without valid reasons. The zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and corruption extends to all levels of land service provision, with regular monitoring and direct inspections by ministry officials.
The proactive involvement of UNO and AC Lands, along with investigations based on public complaints, ensures transparency and accountability. The Ministry remains committed to delivering efficient and people-friendly land services, fulfilling its promise of a modernized and accessible land management system.