The Bangladesh government is preparing to transfer the entire Registration Department from the Ministry of Law to the Ministry of Land, with the proposal expected to be discussed in Wednesday’s cabinet meeting. News of the move has triggered strong discontent among officials and legal experts, as the issue remains pending before the High Court since a 2008 public interest writ petition halted similar efforts.

The Land Ministry argues that combining land registration with Assistant Commissioner (Land) offices would streamline public service delivery. However, the Law Ministry insists that land registration is a judicial function governed by complex legal frameworks, including the State Acquisition Act and Non-Agricultural Tenancy Act. Critics warn that placing the function under administrative officers without legal training could increase public hardship and bureaucratic confusion.

Observers note that the Land Ministry already struggles with service delivery and corruption allegations. Bringing the Registration Department under its control, they argue, could worsen inefficiency. The cabinet’s decision, if pursued despite the pending court case, may invite further legal challenges and institutional friction.