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Bangladeshe Khaszami-Jala: Daridra-Boishommyo Bemochener Rajnoitik Orthoniti

Published : Saturday, 10 May, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 565
Dr. Abul Barkat; Sheikh Ali Ahmed; Faisal M. Ahmed and Md. Sazzadul Karim
In a country like Bangladesh, where the contradiction between widespread landlessness and the presence of vast amounts of unused or illegally occupied state land continues to deepen rural inequality, the book "Bangladeshe Khaszami-Jala: Daridra-Boishommyo Bemochener Rajnoitik Orthoniti" emerges as a timely and necessary contribution. Published in March 2025 by Muktobuddhi Prokasana and co-authored by eminent economist Dr. Abul Barkat along with Sheikh Ali Ahmed, Faisal M. Ahmed, and Md. Sazzadul Karim, this research-driven volume explores the complex and politically charged issue of khas land in Bangladesh-public land originally intended to serve the rural poor.

Rather than offering a purely academic exploration, the book combines rigorous empirical research with historical and socio-political analysis to present a vivid portrait of how Khas land remains both an underutilised national asset and a symbol of failed policy implementation. Through the lens of political economy, the authors examine how this land, if correctly managed and fairly distributed, could become a powerful vehicle for poverty alleviation and social equity.

The volume begins by tracing the colonial-era origins of Khas land and follows its evolution through post-independence policies up to the recent 2023 land law. The authors identify a recurring pattern of unfulfilled promises, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and elite capture that has consistently derailed efforts to allocate this land to the landless poor. Particularly illuminating is the analysis of the 1987 government directive to reserve agricultural khas land for the landless, a policy that has been undermined by political manipulation and administrative inertia, most notably when land distribution was abruptly halted in 1996 under the pretext of administrative complications.

One of the key contributions of this book is its challenge to the official narrative around the extent of the khas land. While the government claims there are 3.3 million acres of such land, the authors argue-based on fresh field research-that this figure is exaggerated or misclassified. Their estimate of 1.7 million acres of actually distributable agricultural khas land brings into sharp relief the gap between rhetoric and reality. Much of this land, they contend, remains unallocated or is effectively under the control of local elites, often with legal cover or bureaucratic complicity. As a result, intended beneficiaries are frequently deprived of rightful access even after formal allocation.

Reviewed by Dr Matiur Rahman

The book is compelling in illustrating how access to land can bring about profound socio-economic change. Drawing on case studies from across the country, the authors showcase real-life stories of transformation and resilience. A woman in Gaibandha who rebuilds her life after receiving a piece of land, young men in Munshiganj forming a successful fish farming cooperative, and 120 families in Barisal's Badghat Char who wrest partial recognition of their land claims through organized action-all these stories anchor the policy discussions in lived experience. They reveal both the oppressive systems that deny people with low incomes their rights and the potential for change when communities mobilize.

Equally important is the book's focus on marginalized groups, particularly women and indigenous populations, who often remain excluded from land distribution schemes. A particularly moving chapter recounts the struggle of widows in Khulna, who, after years of neglect, secured access to khas land through persistent community activism. These narratives underscore the importance of inclusive and gender-sensitive land reform policies, as well as the need for a rights-based approach to land governance.

The book does not stop at diagnosing the problem. It offers clear, actionable policy recommendations rooted in extensive research. Chief among them is the call for a centralized, digital database of khas land integrated with participatory land surveys and GIS mapping. This would address the chaotic and fragmented data landscape that currently hampers effective planning. The authors also recommend prioritizing allocations to landless families, simplifying legal procedures, improving transparency through administrative oversight, and offering technical and legal support to recipients.

Importantly, the authors emphasize that land reform is not merely a technical issue-it is a deeply political one. The consistent failure to implement pro-poor land policies is not due to logistical or legal limitations but rather to a lack of political will. They argue that policy declarations, such as the goal of declaring "landless-free" upazilas or districts, remain meaningless without genuine access to and security of land tenure. The book is particularly forceful in its demand for a comprehensive, state-led commitment to land justice.

Stylistically, the book stands out for its clarity and accessibility. Written in straightforward yet analytical prose, it is suitable for a wide readership, from policy-makers and development practitioners to researchers and activists. The use of maps, data tables, and photographs (referenced though not detailed in the review) further enhances the credibility of its arguments and provides a multidimensional view of the issue.

Ultimately, "Bangladeshe Khaszami-Jala" is more than just a study of land-it is a bold and urgent call for structural reform. It exposes how systemic dysfunction, legal ambiguity, and elite domination have prevented a critical public resource from benefiting those who need it most. But it also provides a roadmap for change, grounded in both data and the hopes of real people fighting for dignity and survival. For anyone concerned with rural development, poverty alleviation, and equitable resource distribution in Bangladesh, this book is essential reading. The book, priced at Taka 1000, is an invaluable contribution to the literature on land reform and social justice in Bangladesh as well as in South Asia.

The reviewer is a researcher and development practitioner


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