File Photo

DHAKA, Feb 9, 2023 (BSS) - The Hat and Bazaar (establish and management) Bill, 2023 was passed in the Jatiya Sangsad today to replace the Hats and Bazaars (Establishment and Acquisition)Ordinance, 1959 to make it time befitting.

Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury on Thursday moved the Bill in the House which was unanimously passed by voice votes with Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair.

Before enactment of the law, the opposition lawmakers said "the proposed law is time befitting considering huge irregularities prevailing in the area."

Opposition lawmakers Fahrul Imam of Mymensingh-8, Pir Fazlur Rahman of Sunamganj-4, Mujibul Huq of Kishorganj-4, Rawshan Ara Mannan women seat-47, Kazi Feroz Rashid of Dhaka-6 and independent lawmaker Rezaul Karim Bablu of Bogura-7, also discussed on the proposed law.

Placing the bill, the land minister said "the bill has been brought in the parliament to make it time befitting and in line with the instruction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina."

As per the Bill, there are 26 articles in the proposed law. As per the law, no one can set up any hat and bazaar without permission from the government.

If any unauthorized hat or bazaar is set up in any area, the government will take over that as Khas land.

The district administration and the government authorities will manage the land of hat or bazaar and no land can be transferred to anyone permanently.

As per the proposed law, if anyone or a group of people are identified illegally occupying Khas land of any hat and bazaar and constructing any establishment, they will be fined up to Tk 5 lakhs or get one year of imprisonment or both.