Govt plans quicker land services for expatriate cardholders: Minu

The Bangladesh government has pledged to make land-related services quicker and more accessible for expatriate cardholders, as part of efforts to improve public services for Bangladeshis living abroad.

Land Minister Md Mizanur Rahman Minu issued the directive during a meeting with Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury at the Ministry of Land, according to a press release issued by the Press Information Department (PID).

State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Hoque and Expatriates’ Welfare Secretary Md Mokhtar Ahmed also attended the meeting, alongside senior officials from both ministries.

During the discussions, the expatriates’ welfare minister sought the Land Ministry’s support in introducing priority services for expatriate cardholders at land offices across the country.

The proposals included allowing the land development tax, commonly known as 'khajna', to be paid using expatriate debit cards while also reducing the time required to complete name mutation and other land-related procedures.

The ministry also proposed establishing dedicated expatriate corners or help desks at land offices to assist overseas Bangladeshis with their applications.

It further requested that powers of attorney related to land matters receive priority processing to make property management easier for citizens living abroad.

Responding to the proposals, the land minister said the expatriate card was being introduced as part of the government’s election commitments to enhance the social recognition of overseas Bangladeshis while expanding access to public services.

He assured the visiting delegation that the Ministry of Land would provide full cooperation to ensure the proposed facilities are introduced as a priority.

To support the initiative, Minu instructed ministry officials to appoint a focal point responsible for coordinating land services for expatriate cardholders, aiming to make the system more efficient and responsive.

The move forms part of wider government efforts to simplify administrative procedures and improve access to public services for Bangladeshis working and living overseas.