Staff Reporter Dhaka : There are significant efforts underway to enact the Land Crime Prevention and Redress Act during the tenure of the present government. The draft law is currently undergoing thorough scrutiny and will be sent to Parliament soon. If this law is enacted, it will alleviate a significant amount of suffering for the people and contribute to a cleaner land sector.

Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury made this statement while addressing a public awareness meeting on land, which was jointly organized by the Chattogram Divisional Commissioner’s Office and the Chattogram District Administration, on the occasion of Land Service Week 2023 at the Chattogram Gymnasium Hall on today Saturday.

Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Abul Bashar Mohammed Fakhruzzaman presided over the event, with the presence of Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr. Md. Aminur Rahaman, ndc, Commander of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Chattogram Metropolitan Unit heroic freedom fighter Mozaffar Ahmed, Acting Commander of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Chattogram Zila Unit heroic freedom fighter AKM Sarwar Kamal as special guests.

The land minister also stated that the land ministry is an efficient performing ministry of the government. This ministry is a 100 percent successful user of Digital Bangladesh, as announced by the Prime Minister, in providing services to the people. Almost all of our core services have been sustainably digitized. With the implementation of the 100% cashless land development tax system effective from April 14, the government has collected TK 350 crore in revenue in the last 43 days, and we anticipate an annual revenue of TK 2,000 crore.

At the same time, in light of the growing number of complaints regarding the plight of bona fide landowners affected by the ongoing land acquisition, the land minister has directed the concerned officials to promptly address this issue.

Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, while emphasizing the indispensable role of freedom fighters in the birth of Bangladesh, expressed deep lamentation over a disheartening period in the country’s history. During this time, the flag adorned a Razakar’s car, while simultaneously a heroic Freedom Fighter endured unjust handcuffing. This regrettable episode was a shameful chapter for the nation and the country at large.

Saifuzzaman Chowdhury stated that the country was liberated under the leadership of the Awami League, responding to the call of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He further asserted that if the country is not secure under the leadership of Bangabandhu’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina, then it is not secure under anyone else. The nation continues to progress and will continue to do so in the future. The people of Bangladesh are determined not to make any mistakes in their decision-making process.

During today’s public awareness event, several recipients of land services shared their experiences in getting smart land services. Alauddin, the Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Boalkhali in Chattogram, delivered an informative visual presentation on smart land services. Following the speech by the chief guest, the land minister the land minister handed out the ROR of the acquired land to the expectant organization and compensation cheque to the victims affected by land acquisition. Subsequently, the land minister inspected of the land service display stall located within the event premises.

Among others, a diverse range of individuals were in attendance on the occasion, including land service recipients, land officials from different levels of Chattogram, representatives from civil society, politicians, media representatives, and various stakeholders.

It is to be noted that Land Service Week 2023 which commenced on May 22, 2023, will conclude on Sunday, May 28, 2023.