Land Reforms Act, 2023 (Act No. 37 of 2023).

This Act provides for land reforms in respect of ownership and lease of agricultural land in Bangladesh. Chapter II of the Act imposes restriction on the ownership of agricultural land beyond 60 bighas, either by transfer, inheritance, donation or any other means. This restriction is relaxed in certain conditions such as land used for plantation of tea, coffee, rubber etc., or for export-oriented agricultural produce, or any other situation as mentioned therein. Chapter III prohibits benami transaction, viz. the purchase by a person of any immovable property in the name of another person for their own benefit. Chapter IV makes provisions for habitation for landless freedom fighters or their families, landless farmers and labourers on Khas land (special land) in rural areas.
Chapter V prohibits any person to allow another person to cultivate their land unless they execute a contract for such cultivation in such form as prescribed. It provides for the recognition of rights of a bargadar (lessee) and requires a contract to be executed between the owner and the lessee. It lays down the process of termination of the lease of a bargadar and the circumstances in which an order for termination may be passed by the prescribed authority. The manner of division of the produce from barga land is also laid down. The bargadar’s right of purchase and the procedure for the same is provided. Any dispute between the parties will be resolved by the prescribed authority and appeals against orders of the prescribed authority shall be submitted to the appellate authority.
Chapter VI states that the Land Reforms Board will take measures to launch a modern, digital land system with a digital database of all information in all land offices of the country. Any person who contravenes any provision of the Act or any order made under the Act shall be guilty of an offense and liable to a fine or to imprisonment or both.