Published: 10 November 2025
Land is one of the most sensitive sectors in Bangladesh, causing public resentment due to corruption, bureaucratic delays, and governance gaps. Assistant Commissioners (Land) working at the frontlines of this sector report that they, too, struggle with political pressure, policy gaps, and limited resources.
To address these realities, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Land, brought together 44 Assistant Commissioners (Land) from across the country for a day-long workshop titled “Upazila Land Office Services: Challenges of Good Governance and Ways Forward” on 11 November 2025. The event, held at TIB's Dhaka office, facilitated communication among land administrators, governance specialists, and policymakers, thereby bridging the gap between national policy reform and practical field experience. The discussions drew from TIB’s research and community engagement initiatives, as well as government efforts to digitalize land services. Participants shared field-level insights on manpower shortages, lack of incentives, policy weaknesses, infrastructure gaps, and the absence of legal protection for officers dealing with disputes and political interference.
Speaking as the chief guest at the first session, Ali Imam Majumder, the Adviser to the Ministry of Land, stated that "people's expectations have risen sharply after the July Revolution, and the same goes for land services. It is our duty to ensure efficiency and maintain coordination from mutation to every land-related service. When services fail, the public loses faith in the government."
In an atmosphere of reflection and responsibility, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman urged the officers to take proactive roles in reforming land governance from within. “Like any other sector, the land sector faces governance gaps and corruption,” he said. “But if every AC (Land) ensures maximum transparency and accountability from their respective positions, service quality can reach the desired level. Many of you have already set commendable examples, and they must multiply.”
In his remarks as special guest, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Land A.S.M. Saleh Ahmed reflected on the need for integrity and connection in public service. "To succeed, we need more than just competence. It is taxpayers who pay the salaries of our officials. We are accountable to our citizens. Therefore, in order to be professional, we must serve them with conscience and skill.
At the end of the day, participants had shared challenges and identified tangible reforms, such as incentive mechanisms and greater citizen awareness, as well as the digitization of land records. The session was moderated by Ferhana Ferdous, Director of TIB’s Civic Engagement Division, and attended by Professor Dr. Sumaiya Khair, Adviser–Executive Management, TIB. Following the experience-sharing session, TIB will incorporate key issues into a policy brief for advocacy with the Ministry of Land.
