Staff Reporter: Land Minister Narayon Chandra Chanda said, we are moving forward with the goal of eradicating corruption through systematic changes. This initiative is an important step towards building a Smart Bangladesh.

The Land Minister said this today, Saturday, at a workshop on people-friendly digital surveys and an view-exchange meeting with stakeholders, organized by the Department of Land Records and Survey at the conference room of District Commissioner's office in Barisal.

The Land Minister further said, smart digitalization of land management will protect the interests of legitimate owners. It will prevent illegal occupation as well as thwart attempts to purchase land with illicitly acquired money.

Referring to the Prime Minister's 'Zero Tolerance' policy against corruption, the Minister said, we have planned to link the National ID (NID) system with land ownership management. If this initiative is successful, the tendency for land-related crimes will significantly decrease.

Informing that the Ministry of Land has taken various steps to increase public awareness, the Minister added, a conscious citizen is a smart citizen. Smart citizens are aware of their rights. As citizens' awareness increases, corruption will be greatly reduced.

Special guests at the event included Anis Mahmud, Director General of the Land Records and Survey Department, and Ziauddin Ahmed, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Land. Also present were Md. Shawkat Ali, Divisional Commissioner of Barisal as chair; Md. Ahsan Habib, Additional Divisional Commissioner (Revenue); Md. Mominur Rashid, Director of Land Records and Survey Department; Shahidul Islam, Deputy Commissioner of Barisal; Mridha Md. Mozahidul Islam, Zonal Settlement Officer of Barisal; Additional Deputy Commissioners, Charge Officers, Upazila Nirbahi Officers, Assistant Commissioners (Land), and other field-level officials of the land administration.

Among others, heroic freedom fighter Talukder Md. Yunus, General Secretary of Barisal District Awami League and former Member of Parliament, along with local dignitaries, intellectuals, stakeholders, media, and civil society representatives were present.

Note, Bangladesh Digital Survey program is ongoing under the EDLMS (Establishment of Digital Land Management System) project in Narayanganj City Corporation, Chattogram, Rajshahi City Corporation, Manikganj Municipality, and Dhaka's Dhamrai and Kushtia Sadar Upazilas. This project is being implemented using cutting-edge technology including GNSS, Total Survey System, Drones, Oracle Data, and GIS software with South Korean assistance. Additionally, BDS (Bangladesh Digital Survey) operations will soon be launched in 32 more upazilas of the country through another project.

Biniyougbarta/SAM//