Published Paper Details:

Land ownership in Bangladesh is governed by a blend of customary practices and formal laws. Key legislation includes the Property Act of 1882 and the Registration Act of 1908, both rooted in the British colonial period. The Acquisition and Requisition of Immovable Property Act (2017) is a significant update, enabling government land acquisition for public interest with increased compensation for registered owners. Issues like land scarcity, elite land grabs, and numerous land disputes plague the system. About 3.2 million land-related cases are pending in courts, causing significant delays and justice barriers. The absence of a uniform dispute resolution system and limited legal aid exacerbate these problems. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality, women's land ownership remains minimal. Efforts to improve gender equity in land ownership continue but encounter substantial social and legal hurdles. The research provides an extensive examination of the land ownership laws in Bangladesh, detailing the historical context, key legislative frameworks, and contemporary challenges. Bangladesh's land law system is deeply rooted in colonial legislation, with significant updates like the Acquisition and Requisition of Immovable Property Act (2017). Major issues include land scarcity, elite land grabs, and a backlog of land dispute cases. Women's land rights are particularly marginalized despite constitutional guarantees. The study highlights the need for more effective governance and legal reforms to address these persistent issues.