History

In 1950, after the abolition of the zamindari system by passing the State Acquisition and Tenancy Act, the government created the Revenue Department for the collection of land revenue and proper management of land. A high-level board called the Board of Revenue was constituted under the provincial government to assist the then revenue department. After the independence of Bangladesh, a full-fledged ministry was formed to carry out all land related functions. Commissioners at the divisional level, Collectors (district administrators) at the district level, Sub-divisional administrators at the sub-divisional level, Circle Officers (Revenue) at the thana level and Tehsildars at the union level were doing land related work.

After the independence of Bangladesh in 1972, this ministry was renamed as Ministry of Land Administration and Land Reforms.

In 1975, this ministry was renamed as Ministry of Law and Reforms which had two departments viz

             (a) Department of Law and Parliamentary Affairs.

             (b) Department of Land Administration and Land Reforms.

        In 1976, the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Land Administration, Local Government, Rural Development and Time. In 1978 it was again renamed as Ministry of Land Administration and Land Reforms. This ministry was renamed in 1982. Ministry of Land Reforms Act and Parliamentary Affairs. In 1984 this ministry was re-named as Ministry of Land Administration and Ministry of Land Administration and Land Reforms. Later on 01/03/1987 it was renamed as Ministry of Lands - which is still in force.

Functions

1. Reservation of rights and ownership of land on behalf of the government;

2. assessment and collection of land revenue and management and supervision of land administration;

3. Management of special lands, vested and abandoned properties;

4. preparation, preservation and publication of land surveys and land maps and records;

5. Demarcation of internal and international boundaries and repair and maintenance of boundary pillars;

6. Management of Sairat Mahal (Jalamhal, Balumhal, Patharmhal, Chingrimahal etc.);

7. Procedures related to land acquisition and encroachment;

8. Implementation of land reform and land use policies.