Property Laws In Bangladesh

09 Mar 2025 --
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Property laws in Bangladesh are primarily governed by several key pieces of legislation that regulate the ownership, transfer, and registration of property. Here are some important aspects of property law in Bangladesh:

1. Transfer of Property Act, 1882

This is one of the most important laws governing the transfer of property in Bangladesh.
It deals with the transfer of property (real and movable), conditions for such transfers, and the rights of the transferee and transferor.
The Act regulates sale, mortgage, lease, gift, and exchange of property.

2. Registration Act, 1908

This Act governs the registration of documents related to property transactions.
According to this law, all deeds of transfer (sale deed, gift deed, lease deed, etc.) must be registered in the office of the Registrar of Assurances.
Registration provides legal recognition to a document, making it admissible in court.

3. Bangladesh Land Survey and Record Act, 2000

This Act governs the survey, measurement, and record of land ownership in Bangladesh.
The purpose is to provide a clear record of ownership and prevent land disputes.
It also regulates land titles and land settlements, including the issuing of khas land (government-owned land).

4. Land Reforms Ordinance, 1984

This ordinance regulates the ownership of agricultural land in Bangladesh.
It places limits on the amount of land an individual can own (land ceiling) and aims to distribute land more equally.

5. Rent Control Ordinance, 1963

This ordinance controls the relationship between landlords and tenants.
It specifies the rights and duties of both parties regarding rent, eviction, and maintenance.
The law ensures that tenants are not unfairly evicted and that rents are regulated.

6. Women’s Property Rights

The Hindu Succession Act, 1956 and the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937 provide for property rights for women under different religious laws.
Women have the right to inherit property, though there are differences based on religion.
Under the Equal Rights and Opportunities Act, 2009, the government of Bangladesh has made provisions to protect the property rights of women.

7. Land Acquisition Act, 2017

This law regulates the government's right to acquire private land for public purposes such as infrastructure development.
The government is required to compensate the landowner fairly for the acquired land.

8. Property Tax

Property owners in Bangladesh are subject to local government taxes. Property tax is levied by city corporations and municipal corporations.
The tax rate depends on the location and value of the property.

9. Environmental Laws

There are environmental regulations that affect property ownership and development, especially concerning the construction of buildings or development of land in environmentally sensitive areas.

10. Foreign Investment in Property

Foreign nationals can purchase property in Bangladesh, but the law imposes certain restrictions, such as the requirement to be a permanent resident of Bangladesh or to have a certain level of investment in the country.
Foreign investors must also follow the rules of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act while buying property.

11. Dispute Resolution

Property disputes are handled by civil courts in Bangladesh. However, there are special tribunals and forums for resolving land-related disputes, such as the Land Reforms Board.
Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as arbitration can also be used for resolving property-related conflicts.

Property laws in Bangladesh are designed to protect the rights of property owners, regulate transactions, and ensure the fair use of land. However, issues such as illegal occupation, land grabbing, and unclear land titles remain significant concerns.