Govt to resolve land-related issues through improved services

Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu has said bureaucratic complications are a major reason behind delays in resolving land-related problems in the country.

“The land system is about 250 years old. It began during the Mughal period; then came the British, followed by India, Pakistan and finally Bangladesh. There are longstanding bureaucratic complexities,” the minister told Daily Sun in an exclusive interview at his secretariat office on Wednesday.

“As a result, people have to wait a long time for solutions. In many cases, broker influence and various irregularities also occur. We are trying to ensure proper services are delivered in a timely manner. The government is working to resolve these issues through digital land services,” he said.

The minister said land-related cases are handled by the judiciary at the higher levels, while lower-level matters are dealt with by district administrations.

“We have clearly instructed that cases must be disposed of transparently. A time limit will be set to reduce the backlog, and cases will have to be completed within that timeframe,” he said.

Responding to a query on coordination among ministries involved in land management, Mizanur Rahman Minu said the law and local government ministries also play key roles. For example, land registration is handled under the law ministry, while heirship certificates are issued by union parishads and councillor offices.

He said coordination had been hampered over the past 17 years due to corruption and irregularities, but efforts were underway to restore effective coordination.

On discrepancies in land records, where CS, SA and RS records differ from BRS entries, the minister said the government had received written complaints on such issues.

“I would request those with complaints to submit relevant evidence as soon as possible,” he said, adding that investigations are being conducted by senior officials of the ministry.

“The culprits will be brought to justice,” he added.

Referring to alleged broker influence and syndication in land sales in Dhaka, the minister said a meeting was held on Tuesday with the Dhaka deputy commissioner.

“A committee has been formed by the land ministry. The DC and Dhaka divisional commissioner will inspect irregularities on the ground. We are working to meet public expectations,” he said.

On mutation-related complications, the minister said the issue would be addressed in detail at the upcoming Bhumi Seba Mela-2026.

“There are complications regarding mutation, and I have personally received complaints. However, many of these matters also go to court, which is beyond our direct control,” he said.

He warned of strict action against illegal land encroachment.

Responding to concerns that sub-registrars often execute deeds without proper verification, he said transparency must be ensured.

“Action will be taken against anyone found facilitating irregularities for personal gain. We are monitoring the situation,” he said.

The minister also highlighted manpower shortages in the land administration system.

“At the DC conference on Tuesday, I instructed all deputy commissioners and divisional commissioners to recruit as many staff as possible at their level. The ministry will also recruit through the Public Service Commission,” he said.

He urged citizens to call 16122 for suggestions and complaints regarding land services.

The three-day Bhumi Seba Mela-2026 will begin on 19 May and continue until 21 May.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the fair at Bhumi Bhaban in the capital’s Tejgaon at 10:30am.