Abstract

The worldwide practice of governments acquiring land for public purposes is universally recognized. In their pursuit of the common good and the national interest, governments are vested with the authority to assume control of land while ensuring fair compensation for its rightful owners. Bangladesh's legal framework overseeing land acquisition delineates comprehensive procedures and compensation mechanisms. Regrettably, there has been inconsistent adherence to these regulations in land acquisition and determining compensation. This inconsistency raises a critical concern. Hence, this paper seeks to assess the present scenario of land acquisition and compensation systems in Bangladesh. This research takes an empirical approach and was explicitly limited to the area surrounding the Rajshahi-Natore Four Lane Road Project, which included Ward No. 23, 24, and 25 from Talaimari to Alupotti within the Rajshahi City Corporation. This study will delve into the prevailing practices and challenges in land acquisition, particularly scrutinizing the implementation of existing laws and their impact on compensating affected landowners. The research will encompass a thorough analysis of the procedures, critically evaluating compliance with established legal frameworks and fair compensation principles. Moreover, this paper seeks to present pragmatic recommendations to address the gaps and inconsistencies observed in the current system. The proposed guidance will be tailored to enhance the transparency, effectiveness, and fairness of the land acquisition process, ensuring that landowners are rightfully compensated while aligning with the country's development goals. The study's conclusions will highlight policy implications intended to reshape Bangladesh's future policies on land acquisition and compensation. The ultimate goal is to safeguard and uphold the rights of landowners, establishing a more equitable, just, and transparent system that balances the nation's developmental needs with the protection of individual property rights.

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