Distribution and pattern of Khas land and its management challenges in Khulna

This research examines the distribution and patterns of Khas land in Khulna, Bangladesh, and analyzes the associated management challenges. The study highlights issues such as legal ambiguities, weak governance, corruption, and bureaucratic inefficiencies that hinder effective land management. Proper management of Khas land can play a major role in promoting equitable development and sustainable land use. The distribution and management of Khas land have long been a subject of debate in Bangladesh, particularly in relation to urban expansion, land rights, and socio-economic development. However, its effective governance is often obstructed by complex legal frameworks, local power dynamics, and administrative inertia. To address these challenges, this study adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating spatial
analysis, policy review and field-level assessments. Spatial data and cadastral maps are
analyzed using GIS techniques to map the distribution and temporal changes of Khas land across Khulna, while qualitative insights are drawn from Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with government officials, NGO representatives, and landless beneficiaries. The findings reveal a fragmented and inequitable distribution pattern, where elite capture and poor institutional coordination have limited access for marginalized groups. By linking peri-urbanization theory with land governance, the research identifies structural weaknesses in existing Khas land management practices and demonstrates how rapid urban transformation intensifies land conflicts and ecological degradation. The study concludes by proposing strategies for improving transparency, inter-agency coordination, enforcement, and community participation to ensure sustainable and equitable Khas land governance in Khulna.

• Supervision