Prepare land use master plan for upazilas: PM directs local govt

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has instructed the Local Government Division to swiftly develop a comprehensive master plan for the optimal utilisation of land resources across all upazilas in Bangladesh.

"During the cabinet meeting held at the Prime Minister's Office, the premier issued these directives," said Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain on Monday in a press briefing following the meeting.

In a decisive move to ensure the efficient and sustainable utilisation of land resources, she also directed the preparation of a comprehensive land use master plan for each upazila. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to fostering rational land use practices amid the country's ongoing development endeavours.

To prevent unauthorised or illegal land use activities, the Prime Minister directed authorities to closely monitor the establishment of houses, industries, or any other land use activities. She emphasised the need for strict adherence to land use regulations and the importance of maintaining discipline in land management practices.

"The local government division has informed us that they have taken an initiative. The Prime Minister has asked them to complete it in the shortest possible time," Mahbub Hossain stated.

Responding to a question about the upcoming national elections, the cabinet secretary clarified that elections are not a topic of discussion in cabinet meetings.

Regarding the resignation of technocrat ministers, state ministers, and advisers to the Prime Minister, Secretary Mahbub stated that he has no specific instructions at this time but assured that the process will be implemented in due course.

Draft Personal Data Protection Act approved in principle

The cabinet secretary said the draft of the Personal Data Protection Act has been approved in principle, establishing a new framework for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information in Bangladesh. The act emphasises the importance of obtaining individual consent before using personal data, recognising information as a valuable strategic resource.

He further said a Bangladesh Data Protection Board will be established to oversee the implementation of the act and ensure compliance with its provisions. The board will develop and enforce policies for data collection, storage, and processing.

The act also defines biometric data, including DNA information, as personal data.

Public and private organisations can both serve as data custodians. To qualify as a custodian, an organisation must register with the appropriate governing body.

Noncompliance with the act will result in significant penalties. Domestic institutions face fines ranging from Tk3 to Tk5 lakh, while foreign companies may be fined up to 5% of their annual turnover in Bangladesh.

Besides, the Cabinet approved the Joyeeta Foundation Act-2023, which will replace the current Company Act that governs the organisation. Once the Act is passed, the Joyeeta Foundation will be governed by a Board of Directors and focus on encouraging women to become entrepreneurs.