Recovering Waqf lands

Land grabbers in the country have encroached on some 257,400 acres of waqf land illegally. The actual size may be even bigger. The illegal encroachment of waqf land shows the power of the land grabbers in the country. It is also clear that a section of corrupt government staff are behind the land grabbing. Good news is that the religious affairs adviser recently said proper measures were underway to recover those properties. He also said that the recovered property would be utilised for the greater welfare of society. Waqf properties have long been playing a significant role in supporting spiritual, educational, and welfare activities within the Muslim community.
Waqf is the permanent dedication of any movable or immovable property by a Muslim for a welfare purpose. So, waqf lands are dedicated by a number of Muslims for pious, religious or charitable purposes. The waqf may also include any other endowment or grant for welfare purposes. The Office of the Waqf Administrator is the key institution responsible for safeguarding, maintaining, and effectively administering waqf properties throughout the country. The government of Bangladesh established the office in 1988 to manage waqf properties. It replaced a smaller organisation formed in 1962 by the Waqfs Ordinance. The government also made an amendment to the ordinance in 2013 making it an act. In the same year, Waqf (Properties Transfer & Development) Special act 2013 was also enacted. Unfortunately, the office is a weak institution. So, it relies on the support from local government, land offices, and law enforcement agencies. As land grabbers are powerful and they have political backing also, it is difficult for the board to take a firm stand.
Recovering the occupied properties of waqf estates is not enough. It needs routine monitoring operations to check irregularities and encroachments further. That's why the government needs to make all-out efforts to safeguard waqf properties. The government has already taken steps for the digital registration of waqf properties. It will ensure transparency in the rent and lease system. Digital registration will also help stop illegal encroachments. So, its income to support expenditures on social welfare activities will increase.

Selim Mollah
Narayanganj