Land Adviser Ali Imam Majumder today addressed a workshop on "Tax Collection by Institutions" held at the Land Ministry's headquarters in Dhaka. Photo: PID

DHAKA, May 13, 2025 (BSS) - Land Adviser Ali Imam Majumder today said that paying land development tax is not a matter of choice but it is the landowners’ civic duty. 

“As a responsible and patriotic citizen of the country every landowner must pay land development tax from their own,” he said.

He was addressing a workshop on "Tax Collection by Institutions" held at the conference room of the Land Ministry's headquarters here.

Representatives from 16 ministries and departments participated in the workshop and Chairman (Secretary) of the Land Reform Board A.J.M. Salauddin Nagari delivered the welcome speech.

Senior Secretary of Land Ministry Saleh Ahmed chaired the meeting. 

Land Appeal Board Chairman (Secretary) Muhammad Ibrahim, Director General (Grade-1) of the Department of Land Records and Surveys Md. Saidur Rahman, additional secretaries and senior officials from various ministries and departments took part in the meeting.

The adviser noted that taxes are one of the primary sources for running the state and land development tax is a vital component of Bangladesh's revenue system. Timely assessment and collection of this tax are essential for proper land management, economic prosperity, and good governance.

“Paying land development tax is now much easier than before, as citizens can do so online from anywhere. We need a shift in mindset. For any institution, paying land development tax is part of its core responsibilities," he said highlighting recent developments of the tax payment process.

Majumder further noted that the official tax receipt (Dakhila) serves as legal proof of ownership and is accepted in court.

Land development tax also known as khajna—is an annual tax paid to the government for land usage. 

Owners of agricultural land exceeding 25 bighas or any amount of non-agricultural land used for residential or commercial purposes must pay this tax annually at a fixed rate. 

“According to various ministries and departments, the total land development tax demanded for the 2024–25 fiscal year up to April stands at Tk. 829.62 crore. The outstanding amount is Tk. 679.76 crore, with current dues at Tk. 149.86 crore,” a press release from land ministry said.

“A total of Tk. 144.13 crore has been collected so far. Compared to the month of March, April experienced a 32% increase in collections, amounting to an additional Tk. 34.58 crore,” it added. 

However, the overall collection rate remains low at 13%, with the Ministry of Railways having the highest backlog.