B Mirror Report: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said there is no alternative to transparent, accountable and people-friendly land management in building a just and modern state system.
He made the remarks while inaugurating the three-day nationwide “Land Service Fair-2026” at Bhumi Bhaban in Tejgaon, Dhaka.
The Prime Minister said providing public services is not an act of charity but a constitutional responsibility of the government. He added that the government’s main objective is to establish a corruption-free, harassment-free and technology-driven land management system to accelerate sustainable development.
Highlighting the growing complexity of land ownership, Tarique Rahman said a single piece of land that once had one owner may now have dozens or even hundreds of stakeholders, increasing the importance of accurate land records and efficient administration.
He noted that citizens are familiar with various land-related terms and often need to visit land offices to update ownership documents. However, technological advancement has modernised the land management system, making services easier and more accessible.
The Prime Minister said digitalisation and online land services would significantly reduce public suffering and curb the influence of middlemen in land offices. He also said the land fair would help increase public awareness regarding modern land management and citizens’ responsibilities.
Mentioning that land disputes and complexities are increasing due to population growth and shrinking land availability, he stressed the need for planned land use, accurate record preservation and efficient management.
Tarique Rahman said the Ministry of Land is conducting technology-based surveys to prepare accurate land records and is gradually bringing almost all land services under digital platforms to ensure faster and more effective service delivery.
“Our goal is to build a system where people no longer have to run from office to office or face corruption and harassment to receive land services,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the government had pledged in its reform outline and election manifesto to modernise land management and organise land service fairs nationwide, adding that the ongoing fair reflects the government’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people.
He said the administration aims to remain accountable to citizens through people-friendly initiatives in all sectors, not only in land management.
Referring to the large number of pending court cases, the Prime Minister said over 4.7 million civil and criminal cases are currently awaiting disposal across the country, with land-related disputes making up the majority.
He stressed the importance of alternative dispute resolution methods, including village courts, mediation and arbitration, to settle land disputes more quickly and reduce case backlogs.
Quoting Albert Einstein, Tarique Rahman said, “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding,” adding that alternative dispute resolution mechanisms could help resolve land disputes faster and prevent long-term hostility.
Describing land as a symbol of security, livelihood and future stability, the Prime Minister said the government is working to ensure corruption-free and citizen-oriented land services at people’s doorsteps.
He expressed hope that citizens across districts and upazilas would benefit from the fair, which offers services including e-mutation applications, online land development tax payments, record correction, khatian collection and complaint resolution.
Land Minister Md Mizanur Rahman Minu chaired the inaugural ceremony, while State Minister for Land Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin and Land Secretary ASM Saleh Ahmed also addressed the event.
Several cabinet ministers, lawmakers and senior government officials were present at the event.
