DHAKA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS) – The interim government has issued the ‘Land Use Control and Agricultural Land Protection Ordinance, 2026’ to prevent the decline of arable land due to growing population and unplanned urbanization and to ensure the country’s food security.

Under the ordinance, tobacco cultivation has been completely banned on the lands where three or more crops are cultivated. At the same time, using agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes without permission will be considered a punishable offense.

The ordinance allows a maximum of 3 years imprisonment and a fine of Taka 10 lakh for violating the ordinance and damaging special agricultural areas.

A gazette was issued in this regard on Tuesday by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division under the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. 

The President gave consent to this ordinance on January 19.

Public Relations Officer of the ministry Dr Md Rezaul Karim informed it today.

The ordinance will be effective immediately in the entire country except the Chittagong Hill Tracts (Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachari).

 The  main objective of the ordinance is to formulate a land zoning plan (zoning) in a scientific manner and ensure the protection of agricultural land.

Special Agricultural Zones:
According to the ordinance, the government will formulate a 'Land Use Zoning Map' for the entire country as soon as possible, using modern technology (GIS and remote sensing). This map will be updated in every 10 years.

In addition, in the interest of food security, the government can declare an area producing a particular agricultural product as a 'Special Agricultural Zone'. The land in this area cannot be used for any purpose other than agriculture.

Restrictions on the use of agricultural land and water bodies:

The ordinance states that tobacco cultivation cannot be allowed on three or more crop-producing lands. Tobacco cultivation will also be restricted in phases on the arable lands where one and two crops are cultivated per year.

No commercial housing, resort or industrial plant can be built on any arable land, water bodies or wetland.
Cutting and removing topsoil of agricultural land, hill or water bodies’ banks for brick kilns or any other purpose is a punishable offense. 

However, permission will be given, in the prescribed manner, for the construction of households, places of worship or family graveyards on one's own agricultural land.

Offenses and punishment:
According to Schedule-2 of the ordinance, strict punishment has been provided for various offenses.
1. Changing the zone without permission will result in imprisonment for not more than 6 months or a fine of Taka one lakh.

2. Construction of commercial infrastructure on agricultural land or water bodies will result in imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or a fine of Taka 4 lakh.

3. Damage to special agricultural areas will result in imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or a fine of Taka 10 lakh and an order to restore the nature of the land.

4. If any company violates this ordinance by committing an offence, its directors or officers will be personally liable and the company can be fined a double amount.
Investigation and Trial:
Offences committed under this ordinance will be tried in the court of a Judicial Magistrate or a Metropolitan Magistrate.

In addition, provisions have been inserted in the ordinance to ensure immediate trial under the ‘Mobile Court Act, 2009’.