Land Law, Land Disputes and Land Administration in Bangladesh - A Critical Study

Abstract

Land governance in Bangladesh is challenged by outdated legal frameworks, administrative inefficiencies, land grabbing, gender inequality, and widespread disputes over ownership and boundaries. This research critically investigates the complex interplay between historical land laws, contemporary administrative structures, and the socio-political influences that hinderequitable land distribution and rights. Employing a qualitative approach that combines legal document analysis and interviews with stakeholders, the study explores how poor record-keeping, manual registration systems, corruption, and the exclusion of vulnerable groups affect land justice. It evaluates global strategies and technological reforms, including digital land management and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, to propose a holistic and transparent system for modern land governance. The research concludes with recommendations for digitization, legal reforms,public awareness, and the institutional strengthening necessary to ensure secure land tenure, especially for marginalized populations. The findings aim to support policymakers andpractitioners in transforming Bangladesh’s land governance into a just, inclusive, and sustainable framework.