Khas Land Lease Allocation, 99-Year Leases & Eviction Defense in Bangladesh: A Master-Class Legal Handbook

<p class="lead" style="font-size: 1.15rem; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 25px;">
    State-owned property management in Bangladesh represents one of the most intricate intersections of constitutional mandate, agrarian reform policy, and administrative law. Central to this architecture is <strong>khas land</strong>—publicly owned real estate vested in the Government of Bangladesh following historical abolition of the zamindari system, riverbed shifts (<em>shikast-paivast</em>), and voluntary or statutory surrenders. For citizens seeking agricultural sustenance, marginal communities requiring homestead security, and commercial enterprises pursuing industrial or tourism expansions, understanding the precise statutory mechanisms governing <strong>khas land lease allocation eviction bangladesh</strong> is paramount.
</p>

<p style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 20px;">
    Operating at the vanguard of real estate and regulatory compliance at LegalBD, our practice regularly navigates the administrative corridors of the Ministry of Land, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) offices, and the Upazila Land Offices. This master-class handbook provides an exhaustive, authoritative breakdown of how khas lands are classified, how long-term settlements (including 99-year commercial leases) are legally secured, and how individuals and corporations can deploy robust statutory defenses against arbitrary executive eviction.
</p>

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<h2 style="color: #0A1118; border-bottom: 2px solid #C5A059; padding-bottom: 8px; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 20px;">1. Statutory Framework and Classification of Khas Land</h2>

<p style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 20px;">
    The legal genesis of state ownership over unallocated and abandoned lands in Bangladesh is anchored in the <strong>State Acquisition and Tenancy Act 1950 (Act No. XXVIII of 1950)</strong>. Under Section 75 and related provisions of the SAT Act, all intermediate rent-receiving interests (zamindaris) were acquired by the provincial government, establishing the state as the supreme landlord. Subsequent legislative enactments, notably the <strong>Land Reforms Ordinance 1984 (Ordinance No. X of 1984)</strong> and executive circulars issued by the Ministry of Land, have refined how these lands are categorized, managed, and distributed.
</p>

<h3 style="color: #0A1118; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 15px;">Agricultural vs. Non-Agricultural Khas Land</h3>
<p style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 20px;">
    The legal regime governing khas land bifurcates sharply based on its historical utilization and physical character:
</p>
<ul style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px;">
    <li style="margin-bottom: 10px;"><strong>Agricultural Khas Land (কৃষি খাস জমি):</strong> Land traditionally used or capable of being used for agricultural production, fisheries, or forestry. The primary beneficiaries under current land management policies are landless farmers, river-erosion victims (ভাঙ্গন কবলিত মানুষ), and widows or households possessing less than 0.10 acres of land. Allocation is strictly regulated to prevent corporate land-grabbing of agrarian resources.</li>
    <li style="margin-bottom: 15px;"><strong>Non-Agricultural Khas Land (অকৃষি খাস জমি):</strong> Land situated within municipal, urban, or commercial zones, or land used for industrial, residential, or commercial purposes. This category includes abandoned properties, accretion land near urban centers, and unused government acquisitions. Non-agricultural khas land is frequently targeted for long-term commercial settlements, industrial expansion, and public-private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects.</li>
</ul>

<div class="warning-callout" style="background: #fff8f8; border-left: 4px solid #d9534f; padding: 20px; margin: 25px 0; border-radius: 4px;">
    <p style="margin: 0; font-weight: 700; color: #d9534f; margin-bottom: 8px;">CRITICAL LEGAL PITFALL: Unauthorized Encroachment on Waterbodies (Jalmohal/Khal)</p>
    <p style="margin: 0; font-size: 0.95srem; color: #333; line-height: 1.6;">
        Under the <strong>Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act 1995 (amended through 2010)</strong> and the <strong>Water Bodies Protection Act 2000</strong>, filling, constructing permanent structures upon, or attempting to lease natural waterbodies (<em>jalmohal</em>), canals (<em>khal</em>), and wetlands classified as khas land is strictly prohibited. Commercial entities attempting to secure industrial leases over such plots face immediate cancellation of settlement, heavy administrative fines, and criminal prosecution under environmental statutes.
    </p>
</div>

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<h2 style="color: #0A1118; border-bottom: 2px solid #C5A059; padding-bottom: 8px; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 20px;">2. Long-Term Leases: Mechanics of 99-Year Commercial and Institutional Allocations</h2>

<p style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 20px;">
    While agricultural khas lands are typically settled via permanent or long-term settlement (mostly on a family-farming basis without transfer rights), commercial, industrial, educational, and institutional allocations of non-agricultural khas land are governed by rigorous administrative protocols managed by the <strong>Divisional Commissioner</strong> and the <strong>Deputy Commissioner (DC)</strong> under the direct oversight of the Ministry of Land.
</p>

<h3 style="color: #0A1118; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 15px;">The 99-Year Lease Paradigm</h3>
<p style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 20px;">
    A 99-year lease of non-agricultural khas land is not a freehold conveyance; it is a long-term leasehold interest granted for specific public, industrial, commercial, or charitable purposes. The process involves:
</p>
<ol style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px;">
    <li style="margin-bottom: 10px;"><strong>Formal Application:</strong> Submission of a detailed project profile, financial capability proof, and clearance certificates (Trade License, TIN, VAT, Environmental Clearance Certificate from the Department of Environment under the <strong>Environment Conservation Rules 2023</strong>) to the Ministry of Land via the Deputy Commissioner's office.</li>
    <li style="margin-bottom: 10px;"><strong>Inter-Ministerial Scrutiny:</strong> For large-scale industrial or commercial projects, vetting by relevant bodies such as BIDA (Bangladesh Investment Development Authority), the Ministry of Industries, and local urban planning authorities (RAJUK, CDA, KDA, RDA).</li>
    <li style="margin-bottom: 10px;"><strong>Valuation &amp; Premium Assessment:</strong> The Sub-Registrar and District Registrar evaluate the prevailing market price (salami) based on the government-notified land value register. Salami and annual lease rents (sela/khajna) are assessed in accordance with updated Ministry of Land circulars.</li>
    <li style="margin-bottom: 15px;"><strong>Execution of Registered Lease Deed:</strong> Upon Cabinet or Ministry approval, a tripartite lease deed is executed between the Government of Bangladesh (represented by the DC) and the lessee, followed by mandatory registration under the <strong>Registration Act 1908</strong> and mutation (namjari) at the Upazila Land Office.</li>
</ol>

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<h2 style="color: #0A1118; border-bottom: 2px solid #C5A059; padding-bottom: 8px; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 20px;">3. Eviction Defense and Administrative Remedies</h2>

<p style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 20px;">
    A frequent flashpoint in Bangladeshi property law involves the state seeking to recover possession of lands occupied by private citizens or corporate bodies. The primary legal instrument utilized by the administration for summary eviction is the <strong>Government and Local Authority Lands and Buildings (Recovery of Possession) Ordinance, 1970 (Ordinance No. IV of 1970)</strong>.
</p>

<h3 style="color: #0A1118; margin-top: 30px; margin-bottom: 15px;">Understanding the 1970 Recovery of Possession Ordinance</h3>
<p style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 20px;">
    Under Section 3 and Section 4 of the 1970 Ordinance, if an authorized officer (typically the Deputy Commissioner or an empowered Additional DC) is satisfied that a person is in unauthorized occupation of government or local authority land, a show-cause notice is issued giving the occupant a specified window (usually not less than 7 days) to explain why an order of eviction should not be made.
</p>

<div class="checklist-box" style="background: #f4f6f9; border: 1px solid #dcdcdc; padding: 25px; margin: 25px 0; border-radius: 6px;">
    <h4 style="margin-top: 0; color: #0A1118; font-size: 1.1rem; border-bottom: 1px solid #C5A059; padding-bottom: 8px;">Actionable Eviction Defense Checklist</h4>
    <ul style="list-style-type: none; padding-left: 0; margin-bottom: 0; line-height: 1.8;">
        <li style="margin-bottom: 12px; display: flex; align-items: flex-start;">
            <span style="color: #C5A059; font-weight: bold; margin-right: 10px; font-size: 1.2rem;">[✔]</span>
            <span><strong>Examine the Notice Imperatives:</strong> Verify whether the notice under the 1970 Ordinance specifies the exact dag number, khatian number, mouza, and J.L. number. Vague notices are legally defective.</span>
        </li>
        <li style="margin-bottom: 12px; display: flex; align-items: flex-start;">
            <span style="color: #C5A059; font-weight: bold; margin-right: 10px; font-size: 1.2rem;">[✔]</span>
            <span><strong>Establish Title or Long-Term Possession:</strong> Collate historical documents, including CS, SA, RS, and City Survey khatian records, tax receipts, and electricity/utility bills proving continuous lawful possession or bona fide tenancy.</span>
        </li>
        <li style="margin-bottom: 12px; display: flex; align-items: flex-start;">
            <span style="color: #C5A059; font-weight: bold; margin-right: 10px; font-size: 1.2rem;">[✔]</span>
            <span><strong>File Writ Petition (Article 102):</strong> If the administrative authority acts arbitrarily, without affording a proper hearing, or attempts to evict occupants who hold valid registered leases or pending regularization applications, invoke the writ jurisdiction of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh for a stay order (injunction).</span>
        </li>
        <li style="margin-bottom: 0; display: flex; align-items: flex-start;">
            <span style="color: #C5A059; font-weight: bold; margin-right: 10px; font-size: 1.2rem;">[✔]</span>
            <span><strong>Exhaust Statutory Appeals:</strong> File formal appeals before the Divisional Commissioner or the Ministry of Land within the prescribed limitation periods before resorting to constitutional litigation.</span>
        </li>
    </ul>
</div>

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<h2 style="color: #0A1118; border-bottom: 2px solid #C5A059; padding-bottom: 8px; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 20px;">4. Statutory Procedures, Authorities &amp; Fee Matrix</h2>
<p style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 20px;">
    The following matrix outlines the regulatory procedures, statutory backing, official fees, and expected timelines for khas land transactions and defense filings in Bangladesh:
</p>

<div style="overflow-x: auto; margin-bottom: 35px;">
    <table class="statutory-table" style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background: #fff; font-size: 0.95rem; text-align: left; box-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);">
        <thead>
            <tr style="background: #0A1118; color: #C5A059;">
                <th style="padding: 14px 12px; border: 1px solid #333;">Procedure / Step</th>
                <th style="padding: 14px 12px; border: 1px solid #333;">Regulatory Authority</th>
                <th style="padding: 14px 12px; border: 1px solid #333;">Primary Statute / Section</th>
                <th style="padding: 14px 12px; border: 1px solid #333;">Official Gov. Fees (BDT)</th>
                <th style="padding: 14px 12px; border: 1px solid #333;">Processing Timeline</th>
            </tr>
        </thead>
        <tbody>
            <tr>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">Agricultural Khas Settlement</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">Upazila Land Office / DC Office</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">SAT Act 1950, Sec 75 &amp; Land Reforms Ord 1984</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">Nominal Salami (Tk. 1 - 100 per acre) + Mutation Fee</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">3 to 6 Months</td>
            </tr>
            <tr style="background: #f9f9f9;">
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">99-Year Commercial Lease</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">Ministry of Land / Divisional Commissioner</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">Non-Agricultural Khas Land Management Policy</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">Market Value Salami (Varies by zone) + Registration</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">6 to 12+ Months</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">Mutation (Namjari) Post-Lease</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">AC (Land) / Upazila Office</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">Land Management Manual / SAT Act</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">BDT 1,150 to 2,000</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">28 Working Days</td>
            </tr>
            <tr style="background: #f9f9f9;">
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">Defense against Eviction Notice</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">Executive Magistrate / DC Court</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">Ord. IV of 1970 (Sec 3 &amp; 4)</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">Nominal Court Fees (Advocate fees separate)</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">7 to 15 Days (Response Window)</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">High Court Writ Petition (Injunction)</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">Supreme Court of Bangladesh (HCD)</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">Constitution of Bangladesh, Article 102</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">Statutory Court Fees + Legal Retainer</td>
                <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #ddd;">1 to 7 Days (Emergency Motion)</td>
            </tr>
        </tbody>
    </table>
</div>

<!-- PROCESS ROADMAP SVG -->
<h2 style="color: #0A1118; border-bottom: 2px solid #C5A059; padding-bottom: 8px; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 20px;">5. Process Roadmap: Khas Land Lease Application &amp; Eviction Defense</h2>
<p style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 20px;">
    The workflow below illustrates the sequential stages from initial lease application or eviction notice receipt to final legal resolution:
</p>

<div style="margin-bottom: 40px; text-align: center;">
    <svg class="process-roadmap" viewBox="0 0 800 240" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="width: 100%; max-width: 800px; height: auto; background: #0A1118; border-radius: 8px; padding: 15px; box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);">
        <!-- Background & Header -->
        <text x="400" y="30" fill="#C5A059" font-size="14" font-weight="bold" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Arial, sans-serif">LEGALBD ROADMAP: KHAS LAND LEASE &amp; EVICTION DEFENSE LIFECYCLE</text>
        
        <!-- Step 1 -->
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            <rect width="160" height="130" rx="6" fill="#111C24" stroke="#C5A059" stroke-width="1.5"/>
            <text x="80" y="25" fill="#C5A059" font-size="12" font-weight="bold" text-anchor="middle">STAGE 01</text>
            <text x="80" y="50" fill="#FFFFFF" font-size="11" font-weight="bold" text-anchor="middle">Filing / Notice</text>
            <text x="80" y="75" fill="#AAAAAA" font-size="9" text-anchor="middle">Submit Lease App.</text>
            <text x="80" y="90" fill="#AAAAAA" font-size="9" text-anchor="middle">or Receive Notice</text>
            <text x="80" y="110" fill="#C5A059" font-size="9" text-anchor="middle">DC / Upazila Office</text>
        </g>

        <!-- Arrow 1 -->
        <path d="M 200 125 L 225 125" stroke="#C5A059" stroke-width="2" marker-end="url(#arrow)"/>
        <polygon points="225,121 233,125 225,129" fill="#C5A059"/>

        <!-- Step 2 -->
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            <text x="80" y="25" fill="#C5A059" font-size="12" font-weight="bold" text-anchor="middle">STAGE 02</text>
            <text x="80" y="50" fill="#FFFFFF" font-size="11" font-weight="bold" text-anchor="middle">Verification</text>
            <text x="80" y="75" fill="#AAAAAA" font-size="9" text-anchor="middle">Field Inquiry &amp; RS/CS</text>
            <text x="80" y="90" fill="#AAAAAA" font-size="9" text-anchor="middle">Khatian Check</text>
            <text x="80" y="110" fill="#C5A059" font-size="9" text-anchor="middle">AC (Land) Office</text>
        </g>

        <!-- Arrow 2 -->
        <path d="M 405 125 L 430 125" stroke="#C5A059" stroke-width="2"/>
        <polygon points="430,121 438,125 430,129" fill="#C5A059"/>

        <!-- Step 3 -->
        <g transform="translate(440, 60)">
            <rect width="160" height="130" rx="6" fill="#111C24" stroke="#C5A059" stroke-width="1.5"/>
            <text x="80" y="25" fill="#C5A059" font-size="12" font-weight="bold" text-anchor="middle">STAGE 03</text>
            <text x="80" y="50" fill="#FFFFFF" font-size="11" font-weight="bold" text-anchor="middle">Administrative Review</text>
            <text x="80" y="75" fill="#AAAAAA" font-size="9" text-anchor="middle">Salami Assessment &amp;</text>
            <text x="80" y="90" fill="#AAAAAA" font-size="9" text-anchor="middle">Show-Cause Defense</text>
            <text x="80" y="110" fill="#C5A059" font-size="9" text-anchor="middle">DC / Ministry</text>
        </g>

        <!-- Arrow 3 -->
        <path d="M 610 125 L 635 125" stroke="#C5A059" stroke-width="2"/>
        <polygon points="635,121 643,125 635,129" fill="#C5A059"/>

        <!-- Step 4 -->
        <g transform="translate(645, 60)" opacity="0.9">
            <rect width="130" height="130" rx="6" fill="#1B2A38" stroke="#C5A059" stroke-width="2"/>
            <text x="65" y="25" fill="#C5A059" font-size="12" font-weight="bold" text-anchor="middle">STAGE 04</text>
            <text x="65" y="50" fill="#FFFFFF" font-size="11" font-weight="bold" text-anchor="middle">Resolution</text>
            <text x="65" y="75" fill="#E0E0E0" font-size="9" text-anchor="middle">Lease Deed /</text>
            <text x="65" y="90" fill="#E0E0E0" font-size="9" text-anchor="middle">High Court Stay</text>
            <text x="65" y="110" fill="#C5A059" font-size="9" text-anchor="middle">Final Settlement</text>
        </g>
    </svg>
</div>

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<h2 style="color: #0A1118; border-bottom: 2px solid #C5A059; padding-bottom: 8px; margin-top: 40px; margin-bottom: 20px;">6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2>
<p style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 25px;">
    Below are expert answers to highly searched inquiries regarding khas land allocation, long-term leases, and eviction defenses in Bangladesh:
</p>

<!-- SCHEMA FAQs -->

<div style="margin-bottom:12px; padding-bottom:12px; border-bottom:1px solid #1E293B;">
  <a href="https://land.gov.bd/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#C5A059; font-weight:600; font-size:14px; text-decoration:underline;">Ministry of Land Citizen Services Portal &nearr;</a>
  <p style="color:#94A3B8; font-size:12px; margin:4px 0 0 0; line-height:1.4;">Online Khatian (e-Porcha), Mutation (e-Namjari) & Land Development Tax (LD Tax)</p>
</div>

<div style="margin-bottom:12px; padding-bottom:12px; border-bottom:1px solid #1E293B;">
  <a href="https://registration.gov.bd/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#C5A059; font-weight:600; font-size:14px; text-decoration:underline;">Directorate of Registration, Bangladesh &nearr;</a>
  <p style="color:#94A3B8; font-size:12px; margin:4px 0 0 0; line-height:1.4;">Sub-Registry Stamp Duty Schedules, Deed Registration & Search Protocols</p>
</div>

<div style="margin-bottom:12px; padding-bottom:12px; border-bottom:1px solid #1E293B;">
  <a href="https://rajuk.gov.bd/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#C5A059; font-weight:600; font-size:14px; text-decoration:underline;">RAJUK (Capital Development Authority) &nearr;</a>
  <p style="color:#94A3B8; font-size:12px; margin:4px 0 0 0; line-height:1.4;">Dhaka Building Approval Rules, Layout Clearances & Real Estate Regulations</p>
</div>

    <!-- FAQ 1 -->
    <div class="faq-item" itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question" style="margin-bottom: 20px; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 6px; padding: 20px; background: #fafafa;">
        <h3 class="faq-question" itemprop="name" style="margin-top: 0; color: #0A1118; font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: 600;">What is the exact legal distinction between agricultural and non-agricultural khas land in Bangladesh?</h3>
        <div class="faq-answer" itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" style="margin-top: 10px; color: #444; line-height: 1.7;">
            <p itemprop="text">Agricultural khas land refers to state-owned land suitable for farming, fisheries, and forestry, which is primarily distributed free of cost or for nominal salami to landless farmers and river-erosion victims under the State Acquisition and Tenancy Act 1950 and Land Reforms Ordinance 1984. Non-agricultural khas land comprises urban, commercial, industrial, or residential plots located within municipal or city corporation boundaries, which are leased out commercially for terms including 99-year leases upon payment of assessed market salami.</p>
        </div>
    </div>

    <!-- FAQ 2 -->
    <div class="faq-item" itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question" style="margin-bottom: 20px; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 6px; padding: 20px; background: #fafafa;">
        <h3 class="faq-question" itemprop="name" style="margin-top: 0; color: #0A1118; font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: 600;">Can a 99-year commercial lease on khas land be mortgaged to a commercial bank for project financing?</h3>
        <div class="faq-answer" itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" style="margin-top: 10px; color: #444; line-height: 1.7;">
            <p itemprop="text">Generally, khas land leases prohibit outright transfer, subletting, or mortgaging without prior written approval from the Ministry of Land. However, standard commercial and industrial 99-year lease deeds often contain specific clauses permitting mortgage creation in favor of scheduled banks or financial institutions for capital mobilization, provided that prior administrative permission from the Deputy Commissioner and Ministry of Land is formally secured.</p>
        </div>
    </div>

    <!-- FAQ 3 -->
    <div class="faq-item" itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question" style="margin-bottom: 20px; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 6px; padding: 20px; background: #fafafa;">
        <h3 class="faq-question" itemprop="name" style="margin-top: 0; color: #0A1118; font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: 600;">What legal steps should I take immediately upon receiving an eviction notice under the 1970 Ordinance?</h3>
        <div class="faq-answer" itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" style="margin-top: 10px; color: #444; line-height: 1.7;">
            <p itemprop="text">Upon receiving a notice under the Government and Local Authority Lands and Buildings (Recovery of Possession) Ordinance 1970, you must file a comprehensive written show-cause reply within the stipulated deadline (usually 7 days). Your response should enclose historical land records (CS, SA, RS khatians), tax receipts, and proof of lawful occupancy or pending lease regularization. If administrative remedies fail or arbitrary eviction is threatened, immediately file a Writ Petition under Article 102 of the Constitution before the High Court Division for an interim stay order.</p>
        </div>
    </div>

    <!-- FAQ 4 -->
    <div class="faq-item" itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question" style="margin-bottom: 20px; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 6px; padding: 20px; background: #fafafa;">
        <h3 class="faq-question" itemprop="name" style="margin-top: 0; color: #0A1118; font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: 600;">How is the salami (lease premium) calculated for non-agricultural khas land allocations?</h3>
        <div class="faq-answer" itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" style="margin-top: 10px; color: #444; line-height: 1.7;">
            <p itemprop="text">The salami is calculated based on the prevailing market value of comparable properties in the immediate vicinity, as determined by the District Sub-Registrar and approved by the District Land Allocation Committee. Ministry of Land circulars mandate specific valuation percentages depending on whether the land is earmarked for industrial, commercial, residential, or charitable use.</p>
        </div>
    </div>

    <!-- FAQ 5 -->
    <div class="faq-item" itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question" style="margin-bottom: 20px; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 6px; padding: 20px; background: #fafafa;">
        <h3 class="faq-question" itemprop="name" style="margin-top: 0; color: #0A1118; font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: 600;">Is long-term possession of khas land sufficient to claim adverse possession (prescription) against the government?</h3>
        <div class="faq-answer" itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" style="margin-top: 10px; color: #444; line-height: 1.7;">
            <p itemprop="text">No. Under Bangladeshi law and established Supreme Court precedents, the doctrine of adverse possession does not apply against government-owned khas property. Even continuous, uninterrupted occupation for several decades does not vest ownership rights in an unauthorized occupant, and the state retains the statutory authority to recover possession at any time through due administrative or legal process.</p>
        </div>
    </div>

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        <h3 class="faq-question" itemprop="name" style="margin-top: 0; color: #0A1118; font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: 600;">What role does BIDA play in securing non-agricultural khas land for foreign or joint-venture investments?</h3>
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            <p itemprop="text">The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) acts as a facilitative and coordinating agency for domestic and foreign investors. When an industrial project requires non-agricultural khas land, BIDA assists in recommending the project to the Ministry of Land, coordinating inter-ministerial clearances,