‘SA records’ cancelled across the country, real ownership of land to be re-determined

The government has taken a new initiative on the land SA (Survey Attested) records, which have been the focus of a long-standing debate in Bangladesh. From now on, all SA records in the country have been declared cancelled and real ownership will be determined through re-determination.

Land experts said that there have been numerous irregularities and corruption in SA records for a long time. Many times, despite the existence of documents of the real owner, other people's names were included in the records. Especially in the old records maintained in the analog system, mistakes and fraud were more common.

According to government sources, instructions have been given to the court to correct these incorrect records and re-determine ownership. It is expected that most of the cases will be settled within one to two years and the complications related to ownership will be resolved.

Land experts said that the SA records have been declared cancelled for three main reasons:

1. The name of the record holder is not related to the real owner or heir.

2. The name is included in the record without proof of land purchase or inheritance.

3. Recording additional land in one's own name, depriving the heirs.

However, those whose ownership documents are correct and consistent will have their SA records maintained. Experts believe that with proper proof, SA records will still be considered as an important land record in Bangladesh.