LAND REFORM

The changes in laws related to land ownership patterns and reformation of the
traditional land tenure system is termed as land reform. If land ownership is cumulated
to a few people than agricultural production is hampered. Therefore, for consolidation
of land ownership and for balancing of land ownership land reform is essential.
According to Dr. B.K. Jahangir, land reform is a social, economic and political problem
and this problem is related to as a whole social structure.
According to Dr. Abul Barket, land reform is a basic as well as revolutionary function
for which state enforcement is needed.

Objectives of land reform

Through chancing the laws related land ownership as well as land use and reformation
of traditional land tenure system of a country is termed as land reform.
In consequences of land reform agricultural production increases farmers income,
increases their standard of living is improved.
Following are the objectives of land reform
1. Changes in land ownership: In Bangladesh there is a large inequality in the land
ownership. For land based social structure in rural areas 95% people are poor.
Therefore, for changing in land ownership in rural areas land reform is needed.
2. Social equality: Within land distribution inequality is existing. Within the
ownership 25% people fifty percent land is existing. Majority people in rural area
are living under poverty line. Therefore, based social equality redistribution of land
under land reform is needed.
3. Economic equality: per area yield is low in Bangladesh. For this land structure is
responsible. Limited scale of application of modern technology in agriculture less
risk bearing in production absence of equitable price of agricultural goods.
Therefore, for increasing production land reform is needed.
4. For balanced political goal: for saving balance political view land Reform is
essential. For Major participation politics for ensuring peoples participation newly
political allocation is must. For newly power pattern a major sales land ownership
and land use system land Reform is needed.
5. Establishment of collective form: for appropriate farm size and improving
production efficiency land Reform is needed. If a small plot can be accumulated to
form large farm, then production could be increased. Therefore, land Reform is
needed.
6. Improve production efficiency: the efficiency of existing large farms is less in
comparison with the small and marginal farms. (Dr. Mahbub-Survey). therefore,
large farms should be distributed among the landless and small farmers. And land
reform is needed for this.
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7. Removing problem of unemployment: adequate manpower is unemployed in
agriculture sector. If farms enhance better than 5 acres can be divided into a small
farmers then surplus manpower of a small-scale farms can be provided with basic
in a small Farms and problems of unemployment can be solved.
8. Increasing production through intensive cultivation: a large part of total arable land
is under the ownership of a few people. Those lands are cultivated more or less by
the help of hired labour. Efficiency of those labour is less. But a small farmers
cultivate intensively on they are as a result of who is productivity is higher in small
farms. Because farmers are more concentrate in their mind set up in their own land.
This problem can be solved through redistribution land within land Reform by the
state.
9. Distribution of khas land among land less farmers: near about 3% of total arable
land is khas land in Bangladesh. This land mostly is under the Possession of rich
farmers. If under land Reform by a state this khas land can be distributed among
landless then production will be increased.
10. Protection of social revolution: near about 50% of our farmers are landless.
Therefore, for changing ownership as well as for establishment of social harmony
land Reform is essential.

Land reform history in Bangladesh

The introduction of land Reform was initiated in 1793 by establishment of permanent
settlement. After that land system was changed by different system. During 1950 by
abolition zamindary system Tenancy Act is established. Through formation of this act
for the first-time land ownership was established for the farmers. The zamindars as well
as they are intermediaries were converted to hold the position hike an ordinary farmer.
The responsibility of revenue collection goes to the government himself. In the history
of land Reform of Bangladesh tenancy act of 1950 is very much important.

Necessity of land reform in Bangladesh

The principal cause for farmers weak condition and sufferings is defective Land
management system. Therefore, development of agriculture farmer economy land
reform is essential. The causes are discussed below:
1. Balanced Distribution of land: 5% of total arable land is under the position of
farmers and the rich possesses 25% of land. For this type of inequal distribution of
land agriculture production is being hampered. The number of poor is increasing
day by day. Therefore, proper as well as public motive land reform is essential.
2. Protection of subdivision of holding: for law inheritance as well as for some other
causes agricultural holding being subdivided. Consequently, modern system of

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 cultivation is being hampered. Production is decreased. Therefore, through proper
land Holdings should be accumulated.
3. Distribution of khas land: through formulation of realistic land Reform rules and
regulations khas land should be distributed among poor and landless farmers.
4. Introduction of cooperative farms: without introduction of cooperative farming to
adopt modern technology of cultivation as well as increase production. Therefore,
formulation of realistic land Reform Regulation and introduction of cooperative
farm is needed.
5. Eradication of Non farmers from agriculture: the risk people purchase land through
the help of black money and thus they increase their real state. But they are basically
not dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. Therefore "the man with plug will
possess land" policy should be get it from agricultural land ownership.
6. Provide agricultural workers with equitable wages: Tiger cultural labors are
deprived of equitable wages in Bangladesh.as a Result Of which they lost their
interest for work. Therefore, by the help of proper and public welfare native land
Reform agriculture labour class should be provided with equitable wages.
7. Fixing of the celling of land ownership or upper limit of land ownership: currently
the upper limit of land ownership in Bangladesh is per family 100 bighas. But in
comparison with population this limit is very much high. Therefore, by policy of
land Reform this upper limit should be brought about to an acceptable limit and
Social Justice can be established in this way.
8. Removing problems of marginal farmers: for the cause of poverty and distressed
live the small as well as poor farmers are being converted to landless farmers.
Therefore, for legal solution of their problem suitable land Reform is needed.
9. Rehabilitation of landless farmers: near about 50% farmers are landless. They suffer
from social insecurity. For rehabilitation of these root less landless people and
equitable Public Interest oriented land Reform by state is immediately cherished.
10. Preserve the interest of share croppers: the land, small and marginal formers
employee their labour on the land of the rich and landlords as share cropper. For
preserving interest of share cropper and emergency basis public oriented land
Reform is essential.
11. Increase In agriculture production: for lower health of land the existing land Reform
system is responsible completely. From the view point of production land Reform
is essential.
12. Increasing in employment opportunities: if surplus land can be distributed among
landless poor small farmers by the implementation of land Reform then
employment opportunities will be created. At the same time rural unemployment
will be reduced.
13. Rural development: without agriculture development rural development is
impossible. Again, without land reform agriculture is impossible to be developed.
Therefore, one of the most important conditions of rural development is land
Reform program.

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14. Remove social inequalities: social status, social influences or dominancy etc. Are
determined by the indicator of land ownership. For removing social inequality and
establishing social equal status land Reform is needed.
15. Removing political inequality: currently politics is confined to the hands of rich.
Landlords, Mahajan’s, landlords for which landless marginal and small farmers
cannot enjoy political power exercise. Moreover, the voting power of the poorer is
influence and under the direction of the rich and socially dominated figures. For
bringing about social power balance land Reform is needed.
16. Simplification of buying and selling: the laws and regulation regarding land
purchase and sale easy understandable regulations should be included in land
reform and these should be within the reach of mass population.
17. Economic development: for the greater interest of the economy as a whole a public
oriented land tenure as well as Land Reform system is essential.
18. Increase investment in agriculture sector: for increasing investment in agricultural
sector, it cannot be imagined without acceptable and public oriented land reform
programme.

Difference between land Reform and Agricultural reform:

The changes in the laws regarding land ownership and reformation of traditional and
tenure system is termed as Land reform. On the other hand, in lieu of old cultivation
system introduction of new and modern cultivation system in order to increase
agriculture production is called agriculture reform. The following are the difference
between the two:
1. Definition: the changes of land ownership and overall related issues under existing
system is termed as Land reform. On the other hand, introduction of new as well
as modern technology of cultivation in order to increase production is termed as
agricultural reform.
2. 2.changes: land implies only changes of land rules regulation regarding ownership
distribution buying and selling law of inheritance as well as renting system etc. On
the other hand, agricultural reform refers changes of issues related with land as
well as other issues like cultivation method products and marketing transportation
of agriculture goods.
3. 3.idea: land Reform is a narrow Idea or concept. On the other hand, agricultural
reform is a wider concept.
4. Stepping: land Reform is only a part of Agricultural stepping. On the other hand,
agricultural reform is a complete stepping of agricultural development.
5. Condition: only land Reform is not able occur development in agricultural. But for
agricultural development is a condition but it is not a sufficient condition.

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East Bengal Estate Acquaisation and Tenancy Act-1950
In the history of land reform east Bengal estate acquisation and tenancy act 1950 is a
remarkable edition. Through Permanent settlement act of 1793 zamindary system was
evolved failed spider interest of government as well as the farmers. The tenancy and
exploitation of zamindars crossed all limits. On the other hand, government also cannot
collect necessary revenue from land. According to Recommendation of hot
Commission-1938 provincial East Bengal legislative home of Pakistan. East Bengal
estate acquisition and tenancy act was passed.
The main issues of the act were as follows.
1. Every farmer will get complete right on land if he regularly paid rent to the
zamindar.
2. If farmer sales his land, then he is fast neighbor land owner will have the first
preference to purchase the land.
3. Including land for agriculture uses and fish culture government will be empowered
for collection rent.
4. Excluding residence or home area, each family can possess 100 bighas of land per
head 10 bighas for home lant as maximum limit. If any citizen possesses more than
this limit of land then government will occupy it. For residence every family will
be given 10 bighas as additional.
5. The surplus land of ryots occupied by government will be distributed among
landless or to the persons whose possession of land is less than 3 acres.
6. The zamindars as well as their rent collectors will be paid 3 to 8 times of their
income as compensation money.
7. The land rate of rent will be 4/5 of the existing rate of rent or 1/10 of value of
produce or equivalent of the lower amount.
8. On the other hand, land owner will have ownership right inheritance ownership
right.
9. The provision of accumulation of Holdings was included in this act. If the 3/4 land
owner agree with the proposal of land accumulation for formulation of large farm
and they appeal to government then government will compulsorily arrange to
accumulate the holding and will for form a large farm.
10. If a land owner wants to sale his land, then the side land owner will have the first
preference to buy it. But if the land owner denies to sell his land to the neighborhood
land owner and sales it to another person then he will be able to get back the land
ownership by submitting bypass buyer of the land.
11. Without the permission of government other than real farmer will be able to
purchase land.
12. Under this act without permission of Court land ownership of any pay of can be
cancelled.
13. Any Real farmer will be allowed to cultivate any crop after payment of rent for land.
The land Reform Act of 1950 was effective at to the act of 1960.

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After effect of abolition of zamindary system
Evaluation of East Bengal estate acquisition and Tenancy Act.
East Bengal State acquisition and Tenancy Act has evolutionary impact in rural farmer
economic as well as political life. Long lasting exploitation by zamindar came to End
through this act.
Economic impact:
1. Increase in production: under tenancy's act abolition of zamindary system farmers
achieve their ownership of land and they became effective in order to increase the
production. Consequences production increases and gradually improved technology
are adopted in agriculture.
2. Increase in government revenue: consequences of tenancy act in lieu of zamindars
government himself collects revenue for absence of middle man in between farmers
and government revenue collection became easier. So, government achieves
opportunity to increase revenue collection.
3. Increase in farmers income: for aboilition of zamindary system agriculture
production as well as farmers income increases. They are standard of living was
also improved.
4. Impact on industrial sector: for increase in income of rural farmers the market of
industrial goods became expanded profit as well as investment increases. Search of
work rural man power migrates to urban areas. Certainly, rapid economic growth is
observed.
5. Modernization of agriculture: for abolition of zamindary system introduced of
agriculture modernization is occurred. Seeds, fertilizers, pesticides are imported
from abroad and at subsidized prices near free of cost this are distributed among the
farmers. Thus, favourable environment modernization is created.
6. Earning of foreign currencies: after abolition of zamindary system farmers become
interest to produce cash crop and through export trade foreign currencies are earned.
Social impact:
1. Exploitation came to an end: the future from zamindars, Naeb and gomostans were
stopped due to the act of Tenancy.
2. Social status: within social farmers previous position of like slaps Citizens. The
Zamindar nayebs behaved with them like master-slave relationship. But end of this
relationship occurred through abolition of zamindary system.
3. Reduction of income inequality: after aboilition of zamindary system income
inequality of wealth were being reduced. Same time social inequality was being
reduced.

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Political impact:
1. Establishment of citizenship right. After aboilition of zamindary system the farmers
of this state established as a free citizen.
2. Abolition of feudalism: after formulating this act politically feudalism was
abolished and introduction of capitalism was occurred. Farmers received freedom
from the prisoner-ship of feudalism.

Land Reform Ordinance 1960

The land Reform occurred in 1960 was not really any actual land reform. In this
ordnance the ordinance of 1950 was changed only. On for introduction of capitalism of
the Pakistani rural this ordinance was formulated.
Every Family will be able to use 375 bighas of land par head 10 bighas of land preserved
for house purposes. This Ordinance is termed as mechanical and cooperative
agricultural farm.

Evaluation of 1960 land Reform ordinance

After initiation of 1960 land Reform ordinance new dimension of cooperative and
mechanization of agriculture introduced. Cooperative system of tea cultivation, raber
cultivation, sugarcane cultivation etc. through land accumulation were favored by the
government. production of this cultivation of increased out of this cultivation after the
1960 land Reform ordinance yet the zamindars and talukdar found out a new way
exploiting the farmers by the name of prices of product land use patterns as well as
shear cropping system etc. as a result exploitation of zamindars and holding owners the
limit.

Salient Features Of 1972 Land Reform Act Bangladesh Government

By the 98 number ordinance during August 1972 some land Reform steps undertaken.
Which are discussed below:
1. Separate ministry: for emergency reformation of land system separate ministry
named ``Administration and land Reform`` was established
2. Upper limit: in Bangladesh par family 100 bighas and all determined. But this limit
is flexible in case of the rubber cultivation as well as shipping raw materials for
industries.
3. Hand over the surplus land: the families who have surplus land must handover to
the government within 60 days after 5th August.
4. Distribution of surplus land: the surplus land will be distributed among landless and
marginal formers. So that per family possession of land does not exit 1.5 acre.

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5. Exploitation of overdue rent: up to 14th April of 1972 all over due rent for land use
was exempted including interest of overdue.
6. Exemption of rent: the farmers who processes 25 bighas or less than 25 biggest of
land from 14th April 1972 their rent for land use was exempted.
7. Abolition of isaradar: long lasting tenancy based isaradar system was also abolished
8. Among the eligible land user’s government will distributed land without any fee.
9. Khas land will be distributed among landless.
10. Ownership of choar: The ownership of choar will be entrusted to government. In
future the choars which will be visible also will stay under the custody of
Government and these will be distributed among landless.
11. Cultivation of fell land: wherever any fellow land will be observed government will
take effective measures in order to bring about that land under cultivation.
12. Howr beel policy: for development of uncultured Howr beels of Mymensingh
district’s Board of howr beel will be take action.
13. Cooperative policy: the form area which are more than 500 acres will be brought
under cultivation by cooperative society under of cluster village project

Effects of Land Reform Policy 1972

After 1972 August 98 number president Ordinance some land Reform measures were
undertaken. The weakness points and failure points of the land Reform measures of the
above-mentioned Ordinance are discussed below:
1. Upper ceiling: government has fixed up the upper limit of land ownership 100
bighas which is not realistic considering the land man ratio. Because per head land
availability is currently only .38 acre.
2. Surplus land: it was expected 12 lakh acres of land will be brought about in the hand
of government as surplus land through the implementation of land Reform policy.
But actually, government got only 58400 acres of land only of which majority land
were under water or full water body and unfertile land. Because after formulation
of land Reform Ordinance the solvent and landlord individual handed over land to
names or too many vake names. On the other hand, the number of landless people
were near about 30 lakhs. Therefore, their fortune cannot be changed.
3. Exemption of rent: although land rent was exempted up to 25 bighas of land yet
development tax, education tax and irrigation tax was not exempted. Therefore,
Barden of tax was not to A Remarkable extent.
4. Share cropping system among Bangladesh farmers 40% are share croppers of which
no interest of share croppers was preserved in the land Reform Ordinance of 1972.
Consequently, landless as well as share cropper farmers were tortured by landlords.
5. Isara system: although government banked this Evil system according to 1972 land
Reform Ordinance yet it was not effective.
6. Distribution of khas land: all the surplus land was to be distributed among the local
landless people but the land Lords handed over their surplus of 100 bighas among
their relatives in different names and vake names. But no remedial measures were
undertaken against such type of cheating.

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7. Choar land: for interference of government corrupted employees as well as the
individual level of dishonest the land people were out of the reach of choar land
8. Interest of non-farmers: due to poverty the gradually farmers lands were possessed
by non-farmers the land Reform Ordinance failed to change the rate of landless
people.
9. Land ownership: under this Ordinance the upper limit of land ownership is so high
that it cannot be acceptable in anyway.
10. Sub division of land: in Bangladesh subdivision as well as fragmentation of
Holdings is the principal hindrance on the way of agricultural development. But this
ordnance took no effective remedial measures to solve this problem.
11. Howar development board: for development of howar, beel, and choar howar
development board cannot take any effective measures in order to improved their
position.

The land Reform committee was formed 31 July 1982. This committee submitted the
final report on 31.09.1983 based on which government passed the 17.09.1984
Ordinance of land Reform. The 1984 land Reform Ordinance are as follows:
1. Upper limit of land ownership; Out of homestead area farmers excluding flood
prone area upper limit will be 75 bighas. In other area it will be up to 100 bighas.
2. Limit of Land by purchase: those who currently possess 60 Bighas of land they will
not be allowed to exit 60 bighas by purchases.
3. Limit of absent ownership of land: for absentee within flood free area per family
maximum 30 Bigha excluding homestead and for other areas it will be 50 bighas.
4. Compensation for surplus land: out of the limit of land ownership the additional
land will be occupied by government as khas land. For transport of surplus land, the
owner will have 10 times of average net production as compensation. This
compensation will be paid within 20 years excluding 5% interest payable Bond.
5. Vested ownership by government: the surplus land and will not be handed over to
the government willingly within the declared date automatically it will be
considered as vested property of government. In that case owner of land will not get
any compensation.
6. Reformation of share cropping: following reformed Policy was adopted by
government regarding the existing share cropping in the 1984 Ordinance of land
reform.
a) Till 23.3.1982 coopers will be eligible for 5 years share cropping.
b) The produce of land 1/3 will be for land owner, 1/3 in for share cropper and 1/3
will be supplier of inputs.
c) If inputs are equally supplied both land owner and share cropper than they both
will equally share the produce.
d) If Land owner alone supplies the input, then he will get 2/3 of the produce rest
of the produce will be for land owner.

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 e) If share cropper alone supplies all inputs, then he will get 2/3 of the produce and
rest of the produce will be for land owner.
f) No share cropper will not be allowed to cultivate more 15 bighas under share
cropping.
g) Before Exceeding 5 years as share cropping no sharecropper cannot be
disqualified from his share cropping unless he violated the conditions.
h) If the land owner wants to sale his land the share proper will have the first
preference to buying the land at existing market price the land.

7. Minimum wages: the washes of an agricultural labour is fixed up 3.5 kg rice or its
equivalent.
8. Eradication: for the liability no farmer should be dedicated from his residence.
9. Ownership of Land of residence: within the city is Dhaka Khulna Chittagong and
rajshahi meet of land area for residence will be up to five Katha and for other towns
it will be up to 10 Katha.
10. Rent for land use: indirect cultivation should be discoursed and direct or self-
cultivation should be continuously encouraged. With this point of view land
taxation should be continued in Bangladesh.
11. Land acquires: if any land is found Baren under the possession a land owner
government can acquire it and hand it over to a real cultivator.
Moreover, this ordinance preserves the right to Leige the land under postoral use hot
bazaar water bodies newly found chaor and forest area in order to use these by
formation of cooperative society of landless.

Evaluation of land reform policy 1984

The Government of the people’s Republic of Bangladesh Undertake an Ordinance in
1984 of land reform. In order to change the act as an ideal one.
1. Fixing of the upper limit of land ownership: par family Apar limit of land ownership
of fixed up as 75 bighas for flood free area and for other areas it was 100 bighas.
Disha Parliament is so high that the amount of surplus land to be brought about at
the hand of government the number of landless and marginal former is much greater
than it.
2. Redistribution of land: according to the existing Ordinance of land reform share
croppers have been Priorities. But number of landless sharecroppers is less than 5%.
consequently, small and medium farmers have been more benefited. Therefore,
landless farmers have not been benefited.
3. Increasing agricultural productivity: the increase in the agricultural productivity
depends on the land reform. Land Reform policy empliesised on mission of a small
and medium size of farm. But productivity of a small and medium size farm is less.
Therefore, for introduction of H.Y.V. Crops small farm is not helpful.

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4. Security of share cropper: currently share crop or has the provision for 5 years share
cropping Isara in agricultural land. But for Wanted of institutional system this rule
is not effective in rural situation.
5. Te-vaga share cropping: as currently cost of production has increased crop
distribution according toto te-vaga time is not helpful for the share cropper.
6. Minimum wages: currently the wages of per agriculture labour minimum 3.5 kg
rice or equivalent money. But for current costing livelihood it is not enough for
maintaining livelihood of a farmer.
7. Landless farmer: there is no provision of providing land ownership to in the existing
Ordinance of land reform.
8. Providing land ownership to a rural cultivator: in the current Ordinance of land
reform a rural farmer mast cultivates his land first type of provision is absent.
9. Subdivision and fragmentation of land: in current land Reform policy there is no
act in favor of subdivision and fragmentation of agricultural holdings.
10. The purchasing right of share cropper: the act of land Reform has recommended for
giving first priority of purchasing Land by sharecropper yet land owners do not
follow this rule, rather sell their land to their relatives.
11. Eradication from share cropping: aur share cropping in a land has been
recommended in the ordinance of land reform want of effective measures by
government share-cropper victim of eradication from share cropping.
12. In effectiveness of Bandhubasta policy: government is committed to provide
bandubasta of Khas land, hat bazar haor land, howar land and forest land to
Cooperative Society of small as farmer. But due to weakness of corrupted and
political muscle powered Parsons occupy this land in lieu of landless cooperative
society members.

Problems of formulation and implementation of land Reform policy

Changing land use related laws and reformation of the existing land tenure system
termed as Land reform as a result of land Reform.as a result of land reform agricultural
production as well as farmers income increases. The standard of living of farmers
increases. But sensitive and complex is she of land Reform is so difficult to formulate
effective program and implement the program.
A. Problem of formulation of program of land reform
1. political philosophy: the political philosophy of Bangladesh is not clear to all
.one of the four philosophies of socialism. After abolition social justice of said
to be political philosophy of the state. Currently free market economy of greater
publicity in our country. Therefore, without fixing of goal it is difficult to reach
the destination. Our previous land reform programme was showing program
without implementation.
2. collection of surplus land as well as distribution of surplus land: are going to
create substance commercial farm small farm etc. we could not fix up final

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 decision regarding this. Through land reform how much hand will be collected
from whom was not financialized by any authority. These were no clear working
plan regarding this. It is so difficult to come to conclusion in this situation.
3. public oriented land reform program: for formulating accurate public oriented
land reform program reliable data regarding land fertility, nature of cultivation,
classification of land and respective market price of land should be available.
Regarding this no survey has been undertaken. Consequently, based on
assumption formulated land reform cannot success.
4. democratic social system: any decision regarding land reform as well as land
redistribution will go in favour of a class or in disfavour of a class of people.
Consequently, for the fare of losing popularity it is difficult to take strict
remedial measures implementation of land reform policy on the part of
democratic ruler.
5. problem of landless farmer: in Bangladesh 65% families are landless. Moreover,
two complex issues are absent land owner issue as well as shear cropping
system. A land reform ordinance is favour of solving these complex issues is
really so difficult for above mentioned causes still now no realistic and effective
land reform program has been possible.

B. Problem of implementation of land Reform program

1. Determination of family definition as well as size of family: a clear Idea
regarding family definition as well as family size of family absent. Moreover,
taking benefit of governmental decision lag majority people wear able to
distribute the ownership of land and bring about it within the upper limit of land
ownership mentionable amount of land or not handed over to the hand of
government.
2. Consideration of land quality: during the previous land Reform Ordinance the
quality of land whose is to be handed over to government as surplus land was
not clearly mentioned. Taking this benefit some land owners landed over the
lands to government which were not fertile and cultivatable land who is under
water etc. Consequently, the surplus land distribution program among marginal
as well as landless farmers was not successful.
3. Complexity of legal settlement: there are so many self-contradictions between
the land Reform ordinance and the traditional laws of the state. For arising such
Complexities government failed to bring about surplus land under the custody
of government.
4. Existence of benefit group: in rural areas of Bangladesh a group has been
formed who exploits the poor and helpless distributes. In spite of clear
Ordinance of land Reform of government, it cannot be implemented due to legal
gap and under pressures from different groups.
5. Lack in willingness of a class of government employee: implementation of land
Reform depends on skill and efficiency of Government employees. Due to non-

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 cooperation of a group of Government employees that's the successful
implementation of land Reform program has been hampered.

A Problem of present land Reform system of Bangladesh

Agricultural development of a country largely depends on the proper land Reform
system. But it is matter of great regard that in spite formation to Ordinance after
Liberation of the country (1972 and 1984) the fat of mass people has not been possible
to be improved following are the problems of land Reform of Bangladesh.
1. Upper limit of land ownership: according to current land Reform Ordinance the
upper limit of individual land ownership is fixed up maximum 100 Bighas which is
not at all inconsistence with land man ratio. The inequality which is existing in land
ownership for solution of this problem this Ordinance is not effective.
2. Cultivation of Land by owner himself: according to existing and Reform ordnance
there is no constrains of cultivating Land by owner himself. Consequently, the long-
lasting demand for cultivating land by real farmer has been ignored.
3. Interest of landless: as currently surplus land has the to be utilized through
Cooperative farming by a small and marginal former for which interest of landless
farmers has not been preserved.
4. Land distribution: for fixing up 100 Bighas of land as highest level of individual
land ownership, very insignificant amount of land under the custody of government
as a result the interest of landless will also be neglected.
5. Interest of share-cropper: as price hike agriculture crop of production has increased
many times is created between cost of share cropping and the selling price of share
produce. Farmers face loss in this connection. The current te-vaga policy cannot
preserve the interest of share-croppers.
6. Deprived of equitable wages: landless farmers supply labour on others land the
wages is too less to maintain the cost of livelihood for every labour 3.5 kg rice or
equivalent money price is fixed up as wages which is in significant for his
livelihood.
7. In equal distribution of income: in Bangladesh 80% people poses only 20% land.
For this type of inequal distribution of land in equal distribution of income has been
occurred. For social justice this problem were to be solved through the ordinance of
land reform.
8. Absentee ownership of land: many land owners live in urban area for the needs of
service business and other purposes. They cannot monitor the cultivation of their
land. Consequently, agricultural yield is reduced.
9. Uses of modern technologies: there is no mention of uses of modern technology
within the ordinance of land Reform of Bangladesh. Consequently, agricultural
production decreased.
10. Sub-division of Holdings: in current land Reform ordnance there is no protection of
subdivision of holdings and in support of it effective remedial measures.

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11. Lacking in effectiveness the share cropping system: for lacking of effectiveness the
share cropping is not more efficient in compensation with the land owners. For these
inefficient measures agricultural production is reduced.
12. Exemption of rent for land use: land for rent for land use has been exempted by
government up to 25 Bigha of land yet burden of tax has been reduced due to
increase development tax, irrigation tax as well as education tax every year.
13. Isara system: although current land Reform Ordinance has postponed isara system
yet still now Ordinance has been effective in connection of Isara system.
14. Distribution of Khas land; according to land Reform ordnance surplus land of a
particular area of to be distributed among the landless of that area but the big land
lords redistributed their land among they are relatives through cheating.
15. Corruption: department land is a corrupted department in exchange money land
under one individual can be to recorded against another individual’s name.
16. Selling and buying of land: according to the current land Reform ordnance other
than a farmer no individual can purchase land.

What is landlord (zamindary system)

The rules under which the Zamindar was empowered to collect rent for land and paid a
part of it to the government the rent of rate of consumed by Zamindars is termed as
Zamindary system.
In this system landlords or zamindars are the real owners of land. Zamindars acted as a
middleman or coordinator between farmers and the government.
Zamindary system was two types: 1) permanent Zamindary system and 2) Temporary
zamindary system. The permanent Zamindar permanently paid the rent of land to the
government and in case of temporary Zamindary system for certain time land allotment
was provided with the temporary Zamindars.
In 1793, Lord Kornwalish introduced permanent settlement system or zamindary
system which was continued up to 1950 under permanent settlement or zamindary
system Zamindars were able to recover rent at an increased rate.

Features of landlord (Zamindar system)

1. In this system landlord were the real owners of land.

2. zamindars acted as middleman between farmers and government.
3. A part of the revenue or rent collected from cultivators was paid to the government
and the rest of consumed by themselves.
4. In permanent zamindary system they can perpetually pay rent to the government.
5. In temporary land lords’ system for a certain period, they were given allotment of
land.

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6. Zamindars exploited the cultivators through recovery of rent at an increased rate.
7. In zamindary system law of sunset was existed.
8. If cultivator failed to pay rent before sunset then he has to face punishment.
9. The zamindars enjoyed right on land generation after generation.
10. Real farmers had no right on land.

The zamindary system which was introduced through introduction of permanent

settlement system in 1793 for East Bengal or failure to serve the interest of cultivators
as well as the interest of government. The fortune as well as zamindars crossed limits
at the same time government was deprived of the necessary land revenue.

Causes of Demolish (Abolish) Land Lord System

For the interest of social, economic and political revolutionary changes was introduced
through the demolish of 1950 state acquisition and tenancy act. Farmers regain his
ownership on land. They become encouraged to increase agricultural production. They
also regain the position on land. Causes of demolish of zamindary system:
1. Increase in production: as zamindars themselves could not cultivate land and so the
agriculture production was very low. Through tenancy act of 1950 cultivators regain
possession on land become effective to increase production and gradually improved
agricultural practices were introduced.
2. Increase in the revenue of government: through zamindary system the revenue
collection of government was very significant. Through abolition of this system
government gained the right of revenue collection in lieu of zamindars. For absence
of middleman between cultivators and government rent payment becomes easier.
Government has the opportunity to increase revenue collection.
3. Increase in farmers income: during zamindary system a major part farmers income
was to be given to the landlord. Consequent farmers income as well as standard of
living was lowered.
4. Increasing industrial production: for zamindary system there was no development
industrial production. After aboilition of zamindary system farmers income as well
as rural market of industrial product was expanded. Demand for industrial goods
also increased. Rural people started to migrate from rural to urban areas for seeking
jobs in industry. Economic development was being accelerated.
5. Modernization of agriculture: after abolition zamindary system introduction of
agricultural modernization was occurred. H.Y.V. seeds, fertilizers, pesticides all
imported from abroad and government distributed these among farmers at subsidies
prices or near about free of cost. Mechanized farming as well as irrigation was
introduced among the farmers.
6. Earning foreign currency: during zamindary agriculture was subsistence farming
in which not able to earn foreign currency. After abolition of zamindary system
farmer intended to earn cash money through cultivation.

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7. Exploitation came to an end: in zamindary system sunset law was executed. For
failure to pay rent before sunset punishment from zamindars was done on the
cultivator. For aboilition of zamindary system fortune of nayebs, gomosta of
zamindar come to an end.
8. Social status of farmers was increased: during landlord period farmers had no social
status. In different social functions and economies cultivators were behaved like
slave citizens. Zamindars nayebs were like master and mass people were treated as
if slaves. After abolition of zamindary system, they regained their social status as
legal citizens.
9. Reducing income inequalities: in zamindary system income inequality was
observed everywhere. After abolition of the system income inequalities were
reduced.
10. Establishment citizen right: during zamindary system citizens had no right on
property. After aboilition of the system they were established as citizens of
independent country.
11. End of feudalism: during zamindary system feudalism was existed after aboilition
of zamindary system politically feudalism also was abolished and capitalism was
introduced. Farmers were escaped from the pioneer ship of feudalism.

Permanent settlement
As the amount of rent payable to government were permanently fixed therefore system
of zamindary is term as permanent settlement. Lord Kornwalish introduced permanent
settlement system in 1793. For this zamindars where the actual owner of land. Zamindar
could recover increased rate of rent from the cultivators. This system continued up to
1950 in Bangladesh.
features of permanent settlement system:
1. According to permanent settlement system zamindars were the real owners of the
land.
2. Permanent settlement was the middleman between cultivators and government.
3. Permanent settlement system zamindars paid a part of collected rent to the
government and the rest of the rent was consumed by themselves.
4. In permanent settlement permanent zamindars could pay rent permanently to the
government.
5. By recovery of increased rate of rent the zamindars explain the cultivators.
6. In permanent settlement system law of sunset was effective.
7. In permanent settlement if the cultivators failed to pay rent before sunset, then they
were punished by the landlord.
8. In permanent settlement zamindar enjoy the right on land generation after
generation.
9. In permanent settlement the real farmers had no right on land.

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Merits of permanent settlement
As the payable rent of zamindars to the Government was fixed for ever there for system
of zamindary is termed as permanent settlement. The merits of permanent settlement
are as follows:
1. More revenue collection: as in permanent settlement system Zamindars were the
actual owners of land. So, they collect increased rate of rent and submitted to
treasury of government. As Zamindar of the representative local government, so
revenue earning was higher in this system. Revenue earning was easier in this
process.
2. Reducing cost: all lands of a state cannot be cultivated by government himself. But
through zamindary system lands are to be brought under cultivation program.in this
way cost of government is reduced.
3. Cultivation of lands: before permanent settlement all lands are not possible to be
cultivated by government. But through permanent settlement lands were given on
the contractual settlement under empowerment of zamindars and brought under
cultivation.
4. Increase employment: before introduction of permanent settlement landless and
marginal farmers were unemployed for want of land. But during zamindary system
all concern who are seeking for job were able to be employed in agricultural
activities.
5. Uses of agriculture inputs: there were many farmers families of which have
adequate agricultural inputs including manpower, bullock pair and plough. But for
want of land they could not utilize these inputs. But through zamindary system in
the obtained they could utilize their inputs.
6. Disguised unemployment was reduced: the farmer families of which had additional
manpower for want of land they could remove disguised unemployment through
utilized the land got from zamindary system and were from the course of disguised
unemployment.
7. Cooperation between Zamindar and farmer: during this system of permanent
settlement with the collaboration of farmer and zamindar in the way of economic
as well as social development was created.
8. Comprehensive effort: for friendly relation between Zamindar and farmer
investment of capital was easier and Agricultural production can be increased.
9. In overall production: during permanent settlement other than land cultivation the
share cropper was intended to pastoral, forestry, nursery practices through utilizing
the fellow lands. And thus, contributed much in overall agricultural production.

17
Demerits of permanent settlement
Through permanent settlement the zamindars converted the owner of land. They could
recover increased rate of rent from the cultivators. The demerits of permanent
settlement are as follows:
1. Decrease production: during permanent settlement farmers did not cultivate the land
of Zamindars sincerely and carefully for which agricultural production was reduced.
2. Lakh in inspiration: as a part of produce which is earned through much struggles
was to be paid to the zamindars. As a result, cultivators did not feel interest in
cultivation.
3. Land Development was hampered: as share cropper no permanent region land
therefore, he had not tried to permanently developed land.
4. Problem in formulation of planning: in permanent settlement system in anytime the
landlord can take the land back to his own custody. Consequently, the share cropper
cannot formulate any long-term production planning.
5. Problem of credit: for the land under permanent settlement no credit Institute is
ready to sanction loan. As a result, the cultivators are unable to invest capital In
such a land during permanent settlement.
6. Lack in the freedom of farmers: during permanent settlement cultivator cannot
cultivation crop independently without the consequent of landlord.
7. Financial loss: during permanent settlement farmers are to cultivate land on
condition of pre-determined rate of rent. But for any disasters or other causes the
crop is damaged. Then in spite of Crop damage cultivator loss of cultivator.
8. Reduced social status: in permanent settlement cultivation of others land hampered
status of the cultivators. As a result of cultivator suffer from psychological
complexity.
9. Subsistence farming: under permanent settlement basically cultivated only for
livelihood on farm produce. As a result, scientifical cultivation has slow motion.
10. Fare of land loss: in permanent settlement always, farmers are in the fair of losing
his cultivated land. Within as fair improved cultivation cannot be imagined.
11. Means of exploitation: in permanent settlement the Zamindar fortuned the cultivator
through using the nayeb, Gomosta etc. They were always under Fortune and
ternary.
12. Income inequality: in permanent settlement income inequality, social inequality in
society is observed.
13. Evolved feudalism: for introduction of law of permanent settlement politically
feudalism was evolved. Cultivators were victims of prisoner-ship of feudalism.

Causes of demolish of permanent settlement

Permanent settlement of demolished through the introduction of ``98`` president
Ordinance 1950 of estate acquisition tenancy act. Through of this ordnance farmers
regained they are permanent progression on land. Following are the causes behind it.
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1. Increase in production: as landlords themselves did not cultivate their land.
Consequently, field as very low. Through tenancy act farmers regained their
possession on land, tried to increase productivity. Consequently, production was
increased.
2. Increase in government revenue: in permanent settlement government have very
insignificant amount of revenue in hand. But through tenancy act government had
to right to collect revenue directly. Here for absence of any intermediary collection
of revenue becomes easier.
3. increase in farmers income: in permanent settlement farmers were to pay maximum
of their produce to the zamindar. Consequently, their standard of living was
lowered. After demolish of permanent settlement agricultural production as well as
farmers standard of living was improved.
4. increase in industrial production: before tenancy act within industrial sector there
was no development. After demolition of permanent settlement farmers income as
well as demand for industrial good increase in rural areas. Consequently, profit as
well as investment increases.
5. Modernization of agricultural production: for permanent settlement agricultural
modernization was more or less absent. After aboilition of it introduction of
industrial modernization was occurred. Government distributed h.i.v. seeds,
fertilizers, insecticide and irrigation medicines near about free of cost by subsidy.
Thus, favourable environment for agriculture modernization was created.
6. Earning of foreign currency: during permanent settlement agriculture practice was
on consistence farming based. After introduction of agricultural modernization
farmers were encouraged to produce do exporting cash crops. Through exporting
cash crops foreign currencies were being earned.
7. Exploitation came to an end: during performant settlement sunset law was executed.
For failure to pay rent before sunset cultivators were tortured by landlord. After
aboilition of permanent settlements farmers were escaped from torture, tenancy of
the nayeb, gomosta of zamindars.
8. Increase the social status of farmers; during permanent settlement the real farmers
had no social status. In sorts of social functions and ceremonies the status of real
farmers was just like slave citizens. Zamindars, nayebs, gomosta behaved with them
slaves. But after aboilition of permanent settlement farmers regained their lost
social status. *-
9. Reduce income inequality: during permanent settlement income inequality was
absorbed in the society. But after introduction of tenancy act formers income
inequality as well as wealth inequality was reduced. In the same time social
inequality was observed.
10. Establishment citizenship right: during permanent settlements citizens had no right
on their property. But after abolition of permanent settlement cultivators were able
to establish, they are citizenship right.
11. End of feudalism: during permanent settlement feudalism was established from
political view point. Through tenancy act feudalism of abolished and capitalism was
introduced.
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 Land Tenure System
On land the legal right stand as land is termed as land tenure system. That means the
rules regulation regarding land ownership and land uses is termed as land tenure system.
Who is the owner of land, who uses land, the relationship between land owner and land
user, what relation there between land owner and state, how rent is determined and
recovered etc. Answer of such question are available in land tenure system.
As land tenure influences the operations of agriculture as well as production there is
significant of land tenure from the economic view point.
The land tenure system of Bangladesh is classified into 3
1)Zamindari system
2)Rayotwary system
3)Mohalwary system
The law based on which zamindars achieved land owner recovered rent from cultivators
a part of the pay to the government and the rest of consumed by themselves is termed
as Zamindar system.
This is time through which rayots or citizens were empowered to parent the government
is termed as rayotwary system.
On the other hand, the process through who is all citizens of a locality preserved of
position of land and paid rent directly to the government is termed as rayotwary system.
The rules and regulations of land property NASA of right and ownership of government
as well as people possession right on land determination of rate of rent and determining
method of recovery rent etc. Summation all these is termed as Land tenure.
From above discussion it can be said that rule regulations practices through a which
land owner possession related right, method of recovery of rent is determined is termed
Land tenure system.
Types of land tenure
The rules regulations regarding land ownership and land uses is termed as land tenure
system.
The traditional land tenure systems are in four types:
1) Zamindary system
2) Rayotwary system
3)Mohalwary system
4)Dewary system

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1) zamindary system: the roof under who is the zamindars acid right and ownership
based on which certain part of recovered rent was paid to the government and the rest
of rent a consumed by themselves is termed as Zamindar system. Thus, according to
this system zamindars are the owners of land. The zamindars acted as middleman in
between cultivators and the government. There are two types of zamindaries of which
perpetual zamindary is the system where in Zamindar pay rent to government
permanently and another system temporary zamindary system is one where in
zamindars pay rent to the government for a certain period.
2)rayotwary system: according to this system rayots or citizens directly pay rent to the
government. In rayotwary system without any middle man direct relationship between
Government and cultivators are created. According to this system government can fix
up newly rate of rent by 20 to 30 years intervals. Here, cultivators are the owner of land.
3l Mohalwary system: the rules through who is all people of a certain locality achieve
the right of possessing and collectively enjoy the right of land ownership and pay rent
directly to government as termed as Mohalwary system. In this system one or more then
villages form a locality or Mohal and peoples of mohal individually as well as
collectively are responsible to government to pay rent of land.
4)Dewary system: according to dewary system owner of land was the dewar. In This
system dewar collected rent from his people and a part of collected rent paid to
company.
It is mentionable that in 1765 East India Company introduced dewary system. Before
introduction of dewary system in this subcontinent dewary land tenure system was
practiced.
"Main defects of the land tenure system in Bangladesh"
In agro based Bangladesh for agricultural development a proper land tenure system is
essential. For different defects of land tenure agricultural development cannot be
possible.
1. In equal distribution of land: the principal problem of land tenure is the unequal
distribution of land. Dr. Mahabub has conducted survey and found that 5% land is
possessed by 50% cultivators. On the other hand, 10% farmers family processes 50%
land. This inequality inland distribution main barrier on the way of agricultural
development.
2. Landless farmers: currently more than 60% farmers for which productivity seriously
affected. But there is no definite recommendation in order to reduce the additional
number of landless.
3. Subdivision and fragmentation of Holdings: for defective land tenure system are
subdivided and fragmented. Defective late Noor creates barrier on the way of
agricultural modernization.

21
4. Share cropping system: there is provision of share cropping within our land tenure
system. 20% to 25% arable land is under this share cropping cultivation. For cultivation
of others and share crow for has no interest for increasing production.
5. Problem of agricultural credit: the cultivators are deprived of benefits of credit
facilities as well as input support from government for want of own land. Besides credit
facilities are enjoyed by rich formers.
6. Absent ownness in agricultural land: under land tenure system of Bangladesh
majority ownness of land are engage different professions in urban areas. They are lands
are cultivated under share cropping. Consequently, productivity is low.
7. Unrealizing land ceiling: in Bangladesh existing land tenure upper limit of land
owners, he is fixed up 100 Bighas per farmer which cannot be acceptable according to
land man ratio.
8. Increase in income in equality: hall defective land tenure system the agriculture and
agricultural benefits enjoyed by majority rich farmers. Thus, the rest farmers become
richer and the poor farmers become poorer.
9. Land Development is hampered: according to existing land tenure system of
Bangladesh the share croppers have no permanent right on land for which he never tries
to perform permanent development of land.
10. Subsistence farming: usually a small farmers contacts only for maintaining only
own livelihood for which commercial as well as profit motive large scale farming is not
advancing currently.
11. Uses of Agricultural inputs: there are so many agricultural families process
Agricultural inputs such as ploughs, bullock pair and capital yet they do not have own
land to cultivate. Through share cropping these inputs can be utilized.
12. Problem of commercial farming: in Bangladesh through accumulation of land plots
under share cropping large scale farming absent our existing land tenure system.
13. Operation between owners and cultivators: cases for lakh in friendly relationship
between cultivators and land Lords investment of capital in Agricultural farm is
hampered.

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