Author Description

Identification and management of khas land (Govt. Land) and water-bodies, distribution of the same to the landless and poor people, retention of such land and water-bodies by the landless, and pertinent rules and practices within the prevailing social-political context of Bangladesh constitute prime issues of agrarian reform. Out of the total amount of identified khas land of 3.3 million acres, only a tiny portion has so far been distributed to the poor who face multifaceted difficulties in both obtaining and retaining land. Most khas lands identified or un-identified, are illegally occupied by the rich segments of the society who are integral part of the power structure. Agrarian reform is a must to ensure human development in Bangladesh. In realizing this, poor people's ownership of and access to khas land and water-bodies, should be broadened. This is an issue of high political commitment, which can be materialized only through people's involvement in such movement.