They looked for ways to overcome the uncertainties and hindrances. They looked for prospects and possibilities. And within years some doors of possibilities opened to drive the proponents of bottomless basket away.

Bangladesh is a small country with a big population. It's quite problematic posing poverty. But we also have lot of resources, judicious distribution of what can surely reduce poverty to an acceptable level. Besides the natural resources, the size of khas land and water bodies is not insignificant. The high prioritised development activities could be attained with these resources and subsequently at least half of the poor people freed from the curse of poverty.

The government khas land and the khas water bodies are public assets. The poor landless people do deserve these khas resources on priority as per government rules. But the poor here still remain far from such valuable assets. They don't have any access to these resources. The local influentials backed by political goons have kept most of these resources under their control. As per report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Land, the amount of khas land in the country is about 50 lac acres. As per statistics of Dr Abul Barkat, an eminent land resource researcher and economist, the amount of khas cultivable land is about 33 lac acres. As per other research statistics the amount of khas land in the country is not less than 40 lac acres.

There are three administrative tires for distributing the khas land among the poor landless people. Three committees exist at union, upazila and district level. The distribution of khas land could be smooth and effective if these committees are made active. But experiences are that due to very many hindrances the said committees are unable to become active as is required. In many cases, following the governmental rules, listing of the prospective landless, sorting and final listing for distributing khas land are not taking place. Most people are aware that political influence is the sole and key reason for such state of affairs. Lack of political commitment and reluctances are causing barrier to progress. Either lack of initiatives from the political administration or creating obstacles by the same or otherwise interest groups probably kept the said three tiers inactive.

However, the problems shouldn't be left unresolved. The development activities of the country should be imbued with dynamism. The quality of life of the people should be improved. Success in fighting poverty should be attained. The initiating responsibilities go to them straight who hold the significant and important positions either in the government or administration. But so far it seemed hopeless. The meeting of the three-tier administrative committees has been irregular in the first place. Besides, if and when held it was wrapped up without taking any decisions.

However, it wouldn't be wise to confine such important activities within the administrative endeavours only. Non-governmental initiatives are also necessary in this regard. Along with the government the civil society and NGOs could play a vital role in managing the steps of actions. Since the NGOs' activities are stretched up to the grassroots level, they are supposed to be familiar not only with the unions or villages but respective families as well. Therefore, NGOs' involvement seems obvious. So, it is quite rational to incorporate NGOs as auxiliary to the government bodies.

Such huge amount of land resources (40-50 lac acres) existing in Bangladesh can surely change the fate of destitute poor people of the country, if appropriately utilised in national interest. In fact, the resources are seized by a few people. They do not serve the national interest. The administration should free the resources from their selfish clutch and distribute among those who need these most for appropriate utilisation to the benefit of the nation. The incorporation of NGOs and civil society in the khas land distribution programme with government should open further possibilities. The hidden potentiality of the so called poor people of this country shall be explored.

DFID of the British government is one of the leading donor agencies assisting Bangladesh. In a recent announcement, DFID said it was going to triplicate its development assistance towards Bangladesh in coming years. Therefore DFID perhaps is becoming the largest donor agency for the country. Mr David Wood, country head of DFID in Bangladesh has said, "DFID's top priority is to help women and landless people and promote education." As we know an enormous amount of khas land is lying under the control of the government. Therefore, we believe that its proper and justified distribution among the ultra poor landless males and females is the appropriate way for their poverty alleviation and empowerment.

Land and agriculture have been paid more attention in the recent document titled 'Unlocking the Potentials' of government's PRSP. The implementation of the programme strategy could be helpful to meet the needs of the poor. The mingled endeavours of government and non-government organisations could be most helpful to eradicate poverty and thus approaching the MDGs, announced by the United Nations.

Md Abdul Kader is Executive Director and Ayub Hossain, Deputy Director, of Samata.