Arable land on the decline
The population of Bangladesh is constantly on the rise while the agricultural fields are declining alarmingly. Compared to the population growth and the basic needs of the people in order to maintain a moderate lifestyle, the situation of decreasing cultivable land is cause for anxiety.
Apart from the growing population, land-grabbing for trade and industry is the major concern for the diminution. In order to enhance their business, many commercial organisations try to occupy fertile lands in rural areas because of low prices in comparison to land in urban areas. In some cases, the owners are coerced into selling their land due to the continuous threat on their lives. As a result, both food security and natural balance are now at stake. Besides, due to their clandestine relationship with some unscrupulous administrative officials, many of these land grabbers escape legal consequences.
Though the ministry for land, reviewing the worsening picture of grabbing of arable land, is going to ordain an act that will sternly forbid any type of construction or non-agricultural establishments on agricultural land, it is expected that the act will not be limited to being on paper. It must be made effective as a law for the people.
Ashim Kumar Paul
Department of English
Govt. Edward College, Pabna
Department of English
Govt. Edward College, Pabna
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