Dhaka: Land Minister Md. Mizanur Rahman Minu has emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring transparency in the allocation and acquisition of government land, highlighting the protection of public interest and the importance of balanced land use.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister underscored the necessity for transparency in land acquisition to mitigate public dissatisfaction. He urged officials to be vigilant in safeguarding the environment and agricultural land. These remarks were made during the 157th meeting of the Central Land Allocation Committee at the Ministry of Land.
The meeting was attended by State Minister for Land Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, Senior Secretary A S M Saleh Ahmed, and senior officials from various ministries and divisions. Several proposals for land acquisition for development projects in Chattogram, Narayanganj, Netrakona, and other districts were approved by the committee.
In Chattogram, land acquisition was approved for projects aimed at addressing city waterlogging and upgrading the Chaturi-CUFL-Karnaphuli Dry Dock-Fakirnihat national highway. In Netrakona, 0.0750 acre was approved for the construction of a 132 kV power transmission line. Additionally, in Narayanganj, prior approval was granted for acquiring 0.37 acre for Nazma Paper and Board Mills, with final approval for 1.8652 acres for the Meghna Economic Zone.
The committee also approved land acquisition proposals exceeding 50 bighas from different districts. The minister reiterated that while land acquisition for development projects is necessary, it must follow due process, minimizing impact on agricultural land and the environment, to maintain a balance between development, public interest, environmental protection, and the preservation of agricultural land for future generations.