Over 80 million land records are available online; land records can now be viewed from the comfort of one's home.

BanglaPress Desk: As part of the digital transformation of the country’s land management system, over 80 million land records (*khatian* or *porcha*) have been incorporated into an online database. This has made it significantly easier to access land records, verify *khatians*, and avail of various land-related services. Stakeholders anticipate that once all land records are digitized and made available online, the need for citizens to visit land offices in person will decrease, saving both time and money, while also substantially reducing land-related disputes.

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Land’s ‘Digital Record Room,’ more than 80 million land records have been added to the digital database to date. This figure encompasses records from various land surveys, as well as those created or updated through the *e-namjari* (electronic mutation) process.

Parvez Hasan, Director of the Ministry of Land’s digitization project, stated that data entry is currently underway to bring all of the country’s land records into the government’s online system. A pilot phase has already been completed across 11 *upazilas* with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

He noted that there are plans to submit a procurement proposal to the Cabinet Division to expand this initiative nationwide. Once the necessary approvals are secured and the tendering process is concluded, field-level operations can commence.

According to the project director, the availability of all land records online could help reduce the frequent, day-to-day disputes over land. Citizens will be able to locate their land records from the comfort of their own homes, thereby eliminating the need to visit multiple government offices and reducing the delays often associated with gathering such information.

Sources within the Ministry of Land indicate that the online survey record database currently holds approximately 51.2 to 51.3 million records. In February 2022, it was announced that about 51.2 million records had been made accessible online. Since then, the number of records in the database has grown as a result of the *e-namjari* process and the digitization of other land-related services. Enhanced Citizen Convenience Through E-Mutation

The e-mutation (electronic land record update) system is currently operational across the country’s Upazila/Circle land offices and Union land offices. According to the Ministry of Land, this system is active in 516 Upazila/Circle land offices and 3,467 Union land offices. Approximately 500,000 mutation cases are processed online every month.

'Mutation' refers to the administrative process of updating government land records to reflect a change in ownership. Following a transfer of ownership—whether through purchase, inheritance, or any other legal means—a mutation must be completed in accordance with established regulations. The digital system has streamlined the processes of submitting applications, verifying documents, tracking the status of cases, and receiving final decisions.

Previously, obtaining land records (khatian) or completing a mutation often required multiple visits to a land office. Significant time was spent gathering necessary documentation, checking the status of an application, and communicating with relevant officials. With the online system, much of this can now be handled from the comfort of one's home.

Impact of Digital Services on Revenue Collection

Online collection of land development tax, the 'e-porcha' (digital land record extract) system, and e-mutation are key components of the digital land service infrastructure. According to the relevant authorities, revenue collection across various sectors of the land service system saw a significant increase between July 2024 and May 15, 2025.

To date, data for approximately 57 million land holdings has been migrated from manual records to the digital system. Additionally, around 11 million online tax payments (dakhila) have been processed. Through the e-porcha service, approximately 450 million BDT (45 crore) has been deposited into the government exchequer between July 2024 and May 2025.

Simplified Verification of Land Records Before Purchase

One of the primary advantages of the digital land record (khatian) system is the ability to access land records and verify preliminary information. Online searches allow users to identify land plot numbers, the names of registered owners, and the total area of ​​the land. Furthermore, users can follow the prescribed procedure to apply for certified copies of these records.

Verifying land records is a crucial step for any buyer before proceeding with a land transaction. When land record information is easily accessible through a digital system, the preliminary tasks of verifying land ownership and related details can be expedited. Similarly, it becomes easier to locate records for inherited land, cross-reference land records with old deeds, and prepare for the mutation (transfer of title) process.

This system can also be highly beneficial for expatriate Bangladeshis. Being able to search for land records online while abroad reduces their reliance on relatives back home. However, established procedures must be followed regarding identity verification, the submission of authorized applications, and the procurement of certified copies.

Accurate Information is Essential for Enhancing Transparency

A digital record system offers the opportunity to make the storage and retrieval of land-related documents more organized. When information regarding applications, fee payments, and case resolutions is stored digitally, the progress of a service request can be monitored. This has the potential to minimize delays in locating documents, prevent the loss of paperwork, and reduce dependence on intermediaries.

Nevertheless, to fully realize the benefits of digital services, it is crucial to ensure the seamless operation of websites and servers, robust data security, a user-friendly interface, and an effective grievance redressal mechanism. If a citizen is unable to locate their land records, correct erroneous information, or track the status of an application, the intended benefits of the system may be compromised.

Plans for Constructing Land Offices and Conducting Drone Surveys

Alongside digital services, initiatives are underway to improve the infrastructure of land offices. Relevant authorities have indicated that a Development Project Proposal (DPP) is being prepared for the construction of 1,330 Union Land Offices and 150 integrated Upazila Land Complexes across the country.

Once these projects are implemented, the storage of land records and the working environment for officials and staff...